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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. 

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    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.
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    Will AND Olivia are both amazing. They will work hard for you and are very detail-oriented and actually care about their clients. Will recommended me to a drug and alcohol treatment center and have been sober ever since (2 + years). I probably wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for will and Olivia. Thank y’all again for y'alls hard work a dedication! Absolutely recommend!!! Treatment center: BRC Recovery
    Aaron T.
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    Will Mitchell handled my case swiftly, intelligently and was very diligent about getting it resolved in a professional manner. I was very upfront about the circumstances and what he thought I should expect and I appreciated his no BS approach. Candor is imperative when you are dealing with a potentially life changing situation. I would recommend him and have to everyone I know. You are in good hands with Will Mitchell.
    Ross
  • "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
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    It was a long, long road, but working with you made the process go smoothly. You and Olivia really helped to reduce the stress around having to deal with an event like this.
    P.O.
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    I will forever be grateful for Will! He helped me get through one of the hardest times of my life. I was so scared when I first walked into his office for a consultation because my case was bad. He got my felony dropped, that says it all. Thank you Will for being there for me physically, mentally, and emotionally!

    Jessica P.
  • "Will was a lifesaver for me."

    Will was a lifesaver for me. He helped me put together documentation that resulted in having a felony dropped to a misdemeanor. Olivia, his assistant, is awesome also. I had Will's cell number and was able to call or text any time I felt uneasy. The team is very responsive and supportive. I could not ask for a better outcome. Thank you, Will!

    Kalyn S.
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    Will Mitchell isn't just a great attorney, he's a great guy. He got the case flat-out dismissed. He gave my life back to me. When I had an urgent matter come up, he called me back after-hours on a Sunday. He's just that type of guy. You can trust Will with your life, he's just that type of guy. On top of everything, he didn't break the bank. 10/10 Would recommend to anyone that's in a jam and needs a legal Superman to come to the rescue!

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