What Are the Consequences of 1st Degree Trespassing?
Trespassing, while not traditionally considered a serious offense, can still carry consequences for violators. Trespassing comes with a unique set of personal risks including possible injury or death and the wrath of angry property owners but can also lead you to a courtroom and legal troubles. Before you hop that fence, it is best to consider the consequences.
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Misdemeanor Conviction
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First degree trespassing is usually considered a misdemeanor in the eyes of the court. Unlike felonies, which carry serious legal trouble, a misdemeanor is less damaging to your personal record and will not likely result in you serving hard jail time. A misdemeanor could reflect poorly on you if your employer conducts background checks but will usually not prevent you from serving on a jury or finding a job.
Jail Time
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Trespassing does not usually result in jail time, but because it is considered a misdemeanor the chance is always there. If you have repeat convictions due to trespassing offenses, you can expect to spend at least a couple of nights in a local jail. Misdemeanors do not normally result in prison sentences or jail terms of longer than a year, and depending on your circumstances, the punishment for trespassing is much less severe.
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Fines
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The most common consequence of trespassing is a simple fine. Depending on how your state and city government feel about trespassing, as well as the exact nature of your offense and legal history, your fine could be small or large. Trespassing in certain areas, such as an airport or military basis, will likely land you a large fine, while sneaking through someone's property will probably be taken less seriously.
Community Service
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In addition to or in lieu of a fine for first degree trespassing, you may be sentenced to perform community service. The court will decide the appropriate number of hours to be served and you will need to find a way to meet that obligation. Common methods for performing community service include picking up litter, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or working with a graffiti clean-up crew. The punishment for misdemeanors like trespassing is highly dependent on your history and location.
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