According to the news, a woman came home to a startling sight when she found a stranger sleeping in her living room. Police reported the woman came home from work to find a hand-written note on her door saying “Don't be scared when you come in – Bob is here.” When she came into the house, she noticed the stranger sleeping on her sofa. When police arrived at the home they tried several times to wake the man and later discovered he was under the influence of a controlled substance. The woman's boyfriend said he knew the man, but not that well. Her boyfriend also told police he didn't know how the man found out where they lived and that the man was never given permission to be inside the house. In Denver, Ouray County and everywhere else in Colorado, the man would likely face charges of First Degree Criminal Trespass, C.R.S. 18-4-502.

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First Degree Criminal Trespass Attorney in Douglas County: How is 1st Degree Trespassing Charged?

The definition of First Degree Criminal Trespass in Douglas County, Jefferson County and across Colorado is:

“A person commits the crime of first degree criminal trespass if such person knowingly and unlawfully enters or remains in a dwelling of another or if such person enters any motor vehicle with intent to commit a crime therein.”

Because the man allegedly unlawfully entered or remained in a dwelling of another, he would face charges of 1st Degree Criminal Trespass. First degree criminal trespass is a class 5 felony in Colorado, which means those convicted of this charge could risk spending up to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

Call an attorney today if facing 1st Degree Trespassing charges.

Trespassing and Burglary in Arapahoe County: Intent to Commit a Crime

Like the man in the news story, you don't need to have intent to commit a crime to face charges of First Degree Criminal Trespass if you've only entered or remained in a dwelling. If the man in the news story did have intent to commit a crime, such as Theft or Criminal Mischief, while inside the home, he would instead face charges of Second Degree Burglary, C.R.S. 18-4-203. 2nd Degree Burglary is a more serious offense in Arapahoe or Adams County. It can be a class 3 felony if it's a burglary of a dwelling. Remember, though, if you enter a motor vehicle with intent to commit a crime, you will face First Degree Criminal Trespass charges.

Trespassing Lawyer in Denver: Why You Need One

If you face charges of First Degree Trespassing in Denver, Aurora or Highlands Ranch, Colorado, contact the best criminal defense lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office immediately. In many First Degree Trespassing cases, men and women face charges because they refuse to leave someone else's home, apartment, condo or other dwelling. Perhaps they are under the influence of alcohol or they are in the middle of a bad breakup. In other First Degree Trespass cases, men and women face accusations of entering a car to take something of value. These items could be a wallet, stereo or personal belongings. Upon any accusations of First Degree Criminal Trespass in Colorado, you should always involve an experienced lawyer. Call the O'Malley Law Office right away to set up a free initial consultation and protect your future.

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If you or a loved one faces charges of First Degree Criminal Trespass in Colorado, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Then, contact the best criminal defense attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.Request a Free Consultation

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