A Brief Guide to Criminal Trespassing Laws in Illinois

 Posted on February 05, 2015 in Criminal Law

Trespassing laws serve a number of important purposes. They ensure safety by defining what areas people can and cannot enter. They also protect the property of business--and homeowners.

Like any criminal offense, though, there are times when trespassing charges are not valid. It may be possible to reduce the charges or convince the court to drop them altogether. If you would like to learn about the defense strategies available, contact an experienced criminal attorney who has experience in trespassing cases.

Deciphering Trespassing Signs and Laws

According to Illinois law, it is required that a sign specifically identify which areas are open to the public. Purple markings or poles may indicate that an area is not open to the public.

Though it may seem like common sense to avoid areas with "Restricted Access" or "No Trespassing" signs, the truth is that these signs may not be clearly visible. If you did not see the sign or if there was no trespassing sign at all, be sure to inform your attorney.

What Factors Will the Court Consider?

Sometimes, trespassing is intentional; other times, it is completely accidental. Depending on the details of the case, whether or not you intentionally trespassed may influence the outcome.

Another factor that will matter is if there are additional charges. It is not uncommon for trespassing charges to accompany vandalism, defacement, and health violations. Other common charges include possession of illegal items such as weapons or drugs. If your case involves multiple offenses, it is especially important to contact a criminal defense lawyer.

Criminal Defense in Arlington Heights, IL

If you are facing trespassing charges, consider contacting Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law. Mr. Anderson is an Arlington Heights criminal defense lawyer with more than 23 years of experience. Call the law firm today at 847-253-3400 to schedule a free initial consultation.