Orlando Trespassing Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with any type of trespassing in Orlando please contact Chris S. Boatright, P.A. at 407-740-8300 to discuss what options may be available to get your trespassing charge dismissed or reduced.  One way to get your trespassing charge dismissed is by completing a Pre-Trial Diversion program.  Not every trespassing case is eligible for a Pre-Trial Diversion program.

Former Trespassing Prosecutor

As a former trespassing prosecutor Chris has an understanding of what can be important to the prosecutor in your Orlando trespassing case.  It is important to understand how the other side works.  Chris uses this understanding to determine what needs to be done to get the best possible outcome in your trespassing case.

Orlando Trespassing Defense Lawyer Since 1999

Chris has been defending individuals in Orlando charged with trespassing since 1999.  Being an Orlando trespassing  defense lawyer for so long has given Chris the opportunity to spend a lot of time working with the judges and prosecutors in Orlando that handle trespassing cases like yours.  Experience dealing with those judges and prosecutors is important in achieving the best results in your trespassing  case.

Different Orlando Trespassing  Defense Lawyers Get Different Results

When you have been charged with any type of trespassing  in Orlando you need an aggressive, experienced, and knowledgeable lawyer like Chris to defend you.  A trespassing  conviction will stay on your record forever, therefore, it is important to be represented by the right lawyer.  The better prepared you are for your court appearance the more likely it is you will get a favorable outcome.  The best results possible are rarely obtained by just hoping for them.  Get the help you need at Chris S. Boatright, P.A. to get the best results possible.

Information About Orlando Trespassing  Charges

DEFINITIONS

(1) “Structure” means a building of any kind, either temporary or permanent, which has a roof over it, together with the curtilage thereof. However, during the time of a state of emergency declared by executive order or proclamation of the Governor under chapter 252 and within the area covered by such executive order or proclamation and for purposes of Florida Statute 810.02 and Florida Statute 810.08 only, the term means a building of any kind or such portions or remnants thereof as exist at the original site, regardless of absence of a wall or roof.

(2) “Dwelling” means a building or conveyance of any kind, including any attached porch, whether such building or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it and is designed to be occupied by people lodging therein at night, together with the curtilage thereof. However, during the time of a state of emergency declared by executive order or proclamation of the Governor under chapter 252 and within the area covered by such executive order or proclamation and for purposes of Florida Statute 810.02 and Florida Statute 810.08 only, the term includes such portions or remnants thereof as exist at the original site, regardless of absence of a wall or roof.

(3) “Conveyance” means any motor vehicle, ship, vessel, railroad vehicle or car, trailer, aircraft, or sleeping car; and “to enter a conveyance” includes taking apart any portion of the conveyance. However, during the time of a state of emergency declared by executive order or proclamation of the Governor under chapter 252 and within the area covered by such executive order or proclamation and for purposes of Florida Statute 810.02 and Florida Statute 810.08 only, the term “conveyance” means a motor vehicle, ship, vessel, railroad vehicle or car, trailer, aircraft, or sleeping car or such portions thereof as exist.

(4)(a) “Posted land” is that land upon which:

1. Signs are placed not more than 500 feet apart along, and at each corner of, the boundaries of the land, upon which signs there appears prominently, in letters of not less than 2 inches in height, the words “no trespassing” and in addition thereto the name of the owner, lessee, or occupant of said land. Said signs shall be placed along the boundary line of posted land in a manner and in such position as to be clearly noticeable from outside the boundary line; or

2.a. Conspicuous no trespassing notice is painted on trees or posts on the property, provided that the notice is:

(I) Painted in an international orange color and displaying the stenciled words “No Trespassing” in letters no less than 2 inches high and 1 inch wide either vertically or horizontally;

(II) Placed so that the bottom of the painted notice is not less than 3 feet from the ground or more than 5 feet from the ground; and

(III) Placed at locations that are readily visible to any person approaching the property and no more than 500 feet apart on agricultural land.

b. Beginning October 1, 2007, when a landowner uses the painted no trespassing posting to identify a “no trespassing” area, those painted notices shall be accompanied by signs complying with subparagraph 1. and placed conspicuously at all places where entry to the property is normally expected or known to occur.

(b) It shall not be necessary to give notice by posting on any enclosed land or place not exceeding 5 acres in area on which there is a dwelling house in order to obtain the benefits of Florida Statute 810.09 and Florida Statute 810.12 pertaining to trespass on enclosed lands.

(5) “Cultivated land” is that land which has been cleared of its natural vegetation and is presently planted with a crop, orchard, grove, pasture, or trees or is fallow land as part of a crop rotation.

(6) “Fenced land” is that land which has been enclosed by a fence of substantial construction, whether with rails, logs, post and railing, iron, steel, barbed wire, other wire, or other material, which stands at least 3 feet in height. For the purpose of this chapter, it shall not be necessary to fence any boundary or part of a boundary of any land which is formed by water.

(7) Where lands are posted, cultivated, or fenced as described herein, then said lands, for the purpose of this chapter, shall be considered as enclosed and posted.

(8) “Construction site” means any property upon which there is construction that is subject to building permit posting requirements.

Trespass In a Structure or Conveyance

Whoever, without being authorized, licensed, or invited, willfully enters or remains in any structure or conveyance, or, having been authorized, licensed, or invited, is warned by the owner or lessee of the premises, or by a person authorized by the owner or lessee, to depart and refuses to do so, commits the offense of trespass in a structure or conveyance.

Trespass On Property Other Than Structure or Conveyance

A person who, without being authorized, license, or invited, willfully enters upon or remains in any property other than a structure or conveyance as to which notice against entering or remaining is given, either by actual communication to the offender or by posting, fencing, or cultivation as described in Florida Statute section 810.011 or if the property is the unenclosed curtilage of a dwelling and the offender enters or remains with the intent to commit an offense thereon, other than the offense of trespass, commits the offense of trespass on property other than a structure or conveyance.

Trespass On a Construction Site

The offender commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in Florida Statute 775.082, Florida Statute 775.083, or Florida Statute 775.084, if the property trespassed is a construction site that is:

1. Greater than 1 acre in area and is legally posted and identified in substantially the following manner: “THIS AREA IS A DESIGNATED CONSTRUCTION SITE, AND ANYONE WHO TRESPASSES ON THIS PROPERTY COMMITS A FELONY.”; or

2. One acre or less in area and is identified as such with a sign that appears prominently, in letters of not less than 2 inches in height, and reads in substantially the following manner: “THIS AREA IS A DESIGNATED CONSTRUCTION SITE, AND ANYONE WHO TRESPASSES ON THIS PROPERTY COMMITS A FELONY.” The sign shall be placed at the location on the property where the permits for construction are located. For construction sites of 1 acre or less as provided in this subparagraph, it shall not be necessary to give notice by posting as defined in Florida Statute 810.011(5).

Trespass On School Grounds

(1) Any person who:

(a) Does not have legitimate business on the campus or any other authorization, license, or invitation to enter or remain upon school property; or

(b) Is a student currently under suspension or expulsion;

and who enters or remains upon the campus or any other facility owned by any such school commits a trespass upon the grounds of a school facility and is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in Florida Statute 775.082 or Florida Statute 775.083.

(2) Any person who enters or remains upon the campus or other facility of a school after the principal of such school, or his or her designee, has directed such person to leave such campus or facility or not to enter upon the campus or facility, commits a trespass upon the grounds of a school facility and is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in Florida Statute 775.082 or Florida Statute 775.083.

(3) The chief administrative officer of a school, or any employee thereof designated by the chief administrative officer to maintain order on such campus or facility, who has probable cause to believe that a person is trespassing upon school grounds in violation of this section may take such person into custody and detain him or her in a reasonable manner for a reasonable length of time pending arrival of a law enforcement officer. Such taking into custody and detention by an authorized person does not render that person criminally or civilly liable for false arrest, false imprisonment, or unlawful detention. If a trespasser is taken into custody, a law enforcement officer shall be called to the scene immediately after the person is taken into custody.

(4) Any law enforcement officer may arrest either on or off the premises and without warrant any person the officer has probable cause for believing has committed the offense of trespass upon the grounds of a school facility. Such arrest shall not render the law enforcement officer criminally or civilly liable for false arrest, false imprisonment, or unlawful detention.

(5) As used in this section, the term “school” means the grounds or any facility of any kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, junior high school, or secondary school, whether public or nonpublic.

Trespass In School Safety Zones

(1) For the purposes of this section, the term “school safety zone” means in, on, or within 500 feet of any real property owned by or leased to any public or private elementary, middle, or high school or school board and used for elementary, middle, or high school education.

(2)(a) Each principal or designee of each public or private school in this state shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency to prohibit any person from loitering in the school safety zone who does not have legitimate business in the school safety zone or any other authorization, or license to enter or remain in the school safety zone or does not otherwise have invitee status in the designated safety zone.

(b)1. During the period from 1 hour prior to the start of a school session until 1 hour after the conclusion of a school session, it is unlawful for any person to enter the premises or trespass within a school safety zone or to remain on such premises or within such school safety zone when that person does not have legitimate business in the school safety zone or any other authorization, license, or invitation to enter or remain in the school safety zone.

2.a. Except as provided in sub-subparagraph b., a person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in Florida Statute 775.082 or Florida Statute 775.083.

b. A person who violates this subsection and who has been previously convicted of any offense contained in chapter 874 commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in Florida Statute 775.082 or Florida Statute 775.083.

(c)1. Except as provided in subparagraph 2., a person who does not have legitimate business in the school safety zone or any other authorization, license, or invitation to enter or remain in the school safety zone who shall willfully fail to remove himself or herself from the school safety zone after the principal or designee, having a reasonable belief that he or she will commit a crime or is engaged in harassment or intimidation of students entering or leaving school property, requests him or her to leave the school safety zone commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in Florida Statute 775.082 or Florida Statute 775.083.

2. A person who violates subparagraph 1. and who has been previously convicted of any offense contained in chapter 874 commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in Florida Statute775.082 or Florida Statute 775.083.

(3) This section does not abridge or infringe upon the right of any person to peaceably assemble and protest.

(4) This section does not apply to residents or persons engaged in the operation of a licensed commercial business within the school safety zone.

Trespass on School Grounds With a Firearm or Other Weapon

(1) It is a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in Florida Statute 775.082, Florida Statute 775.083, or Florida Statute 775.084, for a person who is trespassing upon school property to bring onto, or to possess on, such school property any weapon as defined in Florida Statute 790.001(13) or any firearm.

(2) As used in this section, “school property” means the grounds or facility of any kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, junior high school, secondary school, career center, or postsecondary school, whether public or nonpublic.

Unauthorized Entry On Land Is Evidence Of Trespass

(1) The unauthorized entry by any person into or upon any enclosed and posted land shall be prima facie evidence of the intention of such person to commit an act of trespass.

(2) The act of entry upon enclosed and posted land without permission of the owner of said land by any worker, servant, employee, or agent while actually engaged in the performance of his or her work or duties incident to such employment and while under the supervision or direction, or through the procurement, of any other person acting as supervisor, foreman, employer, or principal, or in any other capacity, shall be prima facie evidence of the causing, and of the procurement, of such act by the supervisor, foreman, employer, principal, or other person.

(3) The act committed by any person or persons of taking, transporting, operating, or driving, or the act of permitting or consenting to the taking or transporting of, any machine, tool, motor vehicle, or draft animal into or upon any enclosed and posted land without the permission of the owner of said land by any person who is not the owner of such machine, tool, vehicle, or animal, but with the knowledge or consent of the owner of such machine, tool, vehicle, or animal, or of the person then having the right to possession thereof, shall be prima facie evidence of the intent of such owner of such machine, tool, vehicle, or animal, or of the person then entitled to the possession thereof, to cause or procure an act of trespass.

(4) As used herein, the term “owner of said land” shall include the beneficial owner, lessee, occupant, or other person having any interest in said land under and by virtue of which that person is entitled to possession thereof, and shall also include the agents or authorized employees of such owner.

(5) However, this section shall not apply to any official or employee of the state or a county, municipality, or other governmental agency now authorized by law to enter upon lands or to registered engineers and surveyors and mappers authorized to enter lands pursuant to Flroida Statute 471.027 and Florida Statute 472.029. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the trimming or cutting of trees or timber by municipal or private public utilities, or their employees, contractors, or subcontractors, when such trimming is required for the establishment or maintenance of the service furnished by any such utility.

Evidence

In order for the State of Florida to prove you committed the crime of trespassing, the State need’s evidence.  Normally, the law enforcement officer’s report contains a statement of the evidence against you.  However, there may be other evidence in your case which the law enforcement officer failed to document in the report.  It is essential for you and your attorney to review all of the evidence in your case before preparing your defense.  Some important questions are:

• Were there any witnesses to the incident and if so did they provide a statement?
• Were you asked to leave?
• Were you attempting to leave at the time of arrest?

Constitutional Rights

The United States Constitution and the Florida Constitution both guarantee that people be free from self-incrimination.  In order for a person to give up their privilege against self-incrimination the person must do so freely voluntarily and knowingly and that is why a person is normally advised of their Miranda rights after arrest but prior to any questioning by a law enforcement officer.  It is important for you to know if your privilege against self-incrimination was violated.  If your privilege against self-incrimination was violated evidence in your case may be inadmissible.  Some important questions to consider are:

• Were you questioned by a law enforcement officer after you were arrested?
• Were you read your Miranda rights?

Defenses

1. Intent

2. Consent

3. Open to the Public

4. Actual communication to leave

5. Authority to give actual communication to leave

6. Identity (Mistake or lack of proof)

Orange County Pre-Trial Diversion Program For Misdemeanor Trespassing Charges

This is a deferred prosecution program for selected misdemeanor charges and for selected individuals.  This program is offered by the Office of the State Attorney and supervised by Orange County Community Corrections.  Successful completion of the Orange County Misdemeanor Pretrial Diversion Program will result in the dismissal of your charge(s) by the Office of the State Attorney.

Eligibility

1. You must have no prior sentence, conviction or dismissal for a similar charge, no prior felony convictions, no prior convictions for charges ineligible for diversion, and no prior adult diversion/deferred prosecution programs.
2. You must be a legal resident of the United States.
3. You must have no more than one prior misdemeanor conviction.
4. Your charge(s) must have no more than $1,000 in restitution.
5. You must be approved by the Office of the State Attorney.

Program Details

1. Program length is 6 months
2. Program cost is $300
3. Program intake fee is an additional $20
4. Program drug testing fee is an additional $17
5. Program phone reporting fee is an additional $6-$7 per month
6. Program Office of the State Attorney fee is an additional $100
7. You must perform a minimum of 40 hours of alternative community work service
8. Additional charge specific special conditions
9. You are responsible for any additional costs for classes and evaluations.

Orange County Pre-Trial Diversion Program For Felony Trespassing Charges​

If you successfully complete the Orange County Pre-Trial Diversion Program the charge(s) you were placed in the program for will be dismissed.

This a 12 month long program with the following requirements:

1.) You must refrain from violation of any federal, state or local law.  If you are arrested or charged with a crime while in the pretrial diversion program, you are subject to automatic revocation whether the crime occurred before or after the signing of the pretrial diversion contract.

2.) You must associate only with law abiding persons.

3.) You must work regularly at a lawful occupation; or pursue a course of studies as a full-time student, or both.  Employment must be verified by documentation only within the first 30 days of supervision.  Thereafter, employment verification shall be made every other month.

4.) You must take an active part in counseling and attend all scheduled appointments.  You must participate in and be responsible for program costs of any referrals your pretrial diversion officer recommends.  Referrals may include, but are not limited to participation in drug/alcohol counseling, a mental health evaluation, urine screenings, General Equivalency Diploma (GED)  and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

5.) You must immediately inform the Pre-Trial Diversion Program of any anticipated or unanticipated change in your residence or your employment.  It is your obligation to notify the Pre-Trial Diversion Program of any change in your address and to comply with residence verification instructions.  Should it be determined that you have moved from your reported residence or changed employment, without notice to the Pre-Trial Diversion Program, and are no longer able to be contacted through your reported mailing address, you are subject to automatic revocation.  If you have been arrested in this case, you must also notify the Clerk of the Court for Orange County, Florida, preferably in writing, of your address change.  No Out-of-Country Travel will be approved while participating in the Pre-Trial Diversion Program.  All Notices, summonses, or other mail will be sent to your current address.  If you fail to appear in court due to paperwork being sent to an old address, a warrant may be issued for your arrest, and you may be revoked from the Pre-Trial Diversion Program.

6.) You will promptly and truthfully answer all questions directed to you by your Pre-Trial Diversion Program Officer.

7.) You must pay a Cost of Supervision fee of $20.00 a month to the State of Florida as required by Florida Statute Section 948.08 unless otherwise exempted in compliance with the Florida Statutes.  All monies collected by the Florida Department of Corrections will be subject to a 4% surcharge.  There will be a one-time drug testing fee of $30.00.

8.) You will complete 100 hours of Alternative Community Service (ACS).  ACS and all sanctions must be completed sixty days prior to the expiration of this contract or sixty days prior to any subsequent expiration date resulting from an extension or as determined by a Review Board Panel.

9.) Once the Defendant has satisfied all sanctions, early termination is acceptable.

10.) You must pay a $100.00 non-refundable cost of prosecution fee to the State of Florida within 60 days as required by Florida Statute Section 938.27.

11.) Charge specific special conditions

12.) You may also be required to submit to random urine screenings for drugs.  Any drug test with a positive result is a violation of the Pretrial Diversion Program Agreement, and may result in additional consequences or revocation from the Pre-Trial Diversion Program.

In order to be eligible for the Pre-Trial Diversion Program you must have no criminal history (arrests, convictions, or cases in which adjudication of guilt has been withheld, whether as a juvenile or adult), or if you have a prior criminal history, you must disclose it to the Pretrial Diversion Program.  If it is found that you not been fully candid on this issue, you are subject to revocation from the Pre-Trial Diversion Program.

If you fail to comply with any of the above conditions, your case may be subject to the following action, depending upon the violation.

1. Your officer may extend the period of diversion to a term not to exceed 3 months from the date of the Pre-Trial Diversion Program Contract, or
2. The Review Board may add additional special conditions or otherwise modify this contract, or
3.  Revoke the Pre-Trial Diversion Program contract and the State Attorney will prosecute you for this offense.

A Review Board comprised of an Assistant State Attorney and a representative of the Florida Department of Corrections, Pre-Trial Diversion Program, has been established for the purpose of reviewing any proposed revocation or modification of your Pre-Trial Diversion Program Contract.  Your Pre-Trial Diversion Officer will attend this hearing.  Modification of your Pre-Trial Diversion Program Contract may occur if you agree to the modification, by Review Board decision.  At Review Board Hearings, evidence establishing violations of conditions of the Pre-Trial Diversion Program Contract will be heard.  You will be given notice of this hearing and may attend and present any evidence you have in your defense and/or any evidence you have to establish matters in mitigation.  Failure to appear will result in automatic revocation from the Pre-Trial Diversion Program.  The Review Board, after hearing and considering all evidence, will render a decision in writing, citing the reasons for that decision.  All members of the Review Board must agree to revocation or modification.  In its written decision, the Review Board will state whether it has decided to revoked the Pre-Trial Diversion Program Contract or allow the Defendant to continue in the Pre-Trial Diversion Program.  If the agreement is modified, the modifications made by the Review Board will be stated.  If you are revoked from the Pre-Trial diversion Program, you will be prosecuted for the original criminal violation.  The Defendant is bound by the decision of the Review Board.  The Pre-Trial Diversion Contract is an agreement that is a deferral of prosecution.  If the terms of the agreement are met, the initial charge will be dropped and the State of Florida will be barred from prosecution.  If the terms of the agreement are violated, prosecution concerning any charge will proceed.

Orlando Trespassing Penalties

A conviction for trespassing can result in many different penalties.  It is important for you to know what penalties you may be facing.  Some of the penalties for trespassing conviction may include:

• Time in Jail
• Probation
• Classes
• Community Service
• Fines
• Court Costs

*Program fees and costs subject to change without notice*

For More Information On Chris S. Boatright, P.A. Click Below:

Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer