Skip to Content Top
Trespassing

Austin Trespassing Defense Lawyer

Criminal Trespass Laws in Texas

Texas law takes property rights seriously. If you are found unlawfully trespassing on public or private property, you can be arrested and charged under Texas law. This is referred to as criminal trespass. You can be charged with a misdemeanor in varying classifications which can lead to jail time and/or fines. A conviction will also result in a permanent criminal record that can impede your ability to gain employment, housing, keep or obtain professional licenses, or take advantage of educational opportunities. In such cases, you will want to minimize or avoid these consequences which calls for the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

The Law Office of Will Mitchell serves clients throughout the greater Austin area with tough and dedicated legal representation. Our Austin trespassing defense attorney has more than 15 years of experience which has been devoted to criminal defense exclusively. Because of this, Attorney Mitchell has a depth of knowledge and skill that can make a difference in your case. Our priority will be to provide you with the most effective defense possible given the facts and circumstances of your case. We will do everything to help you obtain the best possible outcome.

Charged with criminal trespass? Reach out to our firm at (512) 858-8611 to arrange for a free consultation about your situation and legal options.

What is Criminal Trespassing?

In Texas law, criminal trespass refers to entering someone else’s property without permission. It can also include remaining on property after you have been notified that it’s time to leave. Under the law, you must have acted in an intentional manner, you must be disobeying some sign or verbal communication to leave, and you must actually be physically present on the property. The property can be land, residential property, an apartment building, a business, agricultural property, or property owned by the government.

The types of notice that indicate you are not allowed on the property can include:

  • Signs on the entrance or building
  • Fences or other barriers built to keep people from entering
  • Written or verbal communications telling you to keep out

What are the Penalties for Criminal Trespass?

In cases of criminal trespass, you may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor carrying penalties of up to six months in jail and/or fines of up to $2,000. If the criminal trespass involved a habitation (dwelling occupied by people) or a deadly weapon, you will likely face an elevated charge of a Class A misdemeanor. In those cases, the penalties are doubled to up to a year in jail and fines of up to $4,000. Criminal trespass can also be elevated to a burglary charge if your intent for entering or staying on the property was to commit some type of crime such as theft or assault.

Get the Help You Need from Our Firm Today

Criminal trespass can often occur without intent due to mistakes or misunderstandings. It can also occur where property lines are not clearly defined. At The Law Office of Will Mitchell, we will thoroughly investigate the matter and seek the best way to approach your defense. Our firm is committed to doing everything possible on your behalf to avoid or minimize any negative consequences.

Discuss your case with our Austin trespassing defense attorney at (512) 858-8611 today. 

Free Initial Consultation

Fill Out this Form to Schedule Today Or Give Us a Call at (512) 858-8611

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Law Office of Will Mitchell at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy
  • "Will is great."
    Will is great and really helped me during a time of need.
    Nathan A.
  • "I am very thankful for his hardworking to defend my reputation and innocence."
    Able to defend me well in my case for a fair price. All charges dropped as they should have been due to his diligence. Good communication by both email and phone. Showed poise and intelligence in the courtroom. I am very thankful for his hardworking to defend my reputation and innocence.
    R.N. on Yelp
  • "His knowledge and poise in the courtroom helped to show that the charges were inaccurate."
    Will was able to defend me and have all charges rightfully dropped. His knowledge and poise in the courtroom helped to show that the charges were inaccurate. Communication with email and by phone was great and all at a fair price. I appreciate Will assisting me with helping to defend my reputation and innocence!!! 5 stars for sure!
    R.N. on Google
  • "Very helpful and knowledgeable!"

    Very helpful and knowledgeable! Thank you.

    Jaime W.
  • "I would highly recommend Will as he will fight for you."
    Will got my DWI charge dismissed in lieu of a reduced charge of obstruction of highway passage. I did test over .08 so I chose not to go to trial but there were a few other factors with my case compelling the prosecution to lower my penalties and probation to 15mo; at which time my obstruction charge will also be dismissed. I was able to take care of all my classes, evals, and community service prior to ever seeing the judge so I think that helped my case. Will and Olivia were eager to help me understand what was happening and answered all my calls and emails very promptly. I would highly recommend Will as he will fight for you.
    Todd
  • "I will be forever grateful for his hard work."
    Will is not only an incredible attorney, he is an incredible person. He helped me through one of the toughest times of my life and took care of everything so I could calm down and focus on finishing what I needed to finish. He even had my DUI reduced to an obstruction of a highway! I will be forever grateful for his hard work, consistent communication, and incredible knowledge of the legal process. Thank you Will!
    A.C.
  • "Highly knowledgeable with the utmost professionalism."
    Greatest Criminal Defense Attorney! Highly knowledgeable with the utmost professionalism. I was charged with a DWI 2. Attorney Will worked very hard for me and got it reduced to a DWI one, no probation, no fines, just court costs. I couldn’t ask for a better attorney!
    K.L.
  • "He has the knowledge and patience to come up with a personalized plan of action."
    Attorney Will Mitchell can help! Expedient, Professional, and just a good guy to talk to when the chips are down. He has the knowledge and patience to come up with a personalized plan of action.
    A.B. on Google