Trespassing In Okmulgee: Violators Will Be Prosecuted
It’s easy for people to commit a multitude of crimes under the guise of “rediscovering” the “forgotten history” of old properties that are no longer in use. Little did they know they may be trespassing in Okmulgee.
A new hobby has become ever more popular in the rural and urban parts of Oklahoma lately. the newest trend taking over social media is exploring abandoned buildings, lots, and large fields.
While this hobby is neat in theory, the law clearly prohibits any form of trespassing on public property. Trespassing in Okmulgee is a misdemeanor offense. A trespassing criminal charge can result in expensive fines, jail sentences, or a combination of the two. If you have trespassing accusations charged against you, call an attorney before your charges become convictions.
Tresspassing in Okmulgee Defined
Simply put, private property is a piece of land privately owned by someone. Owners of private property do not have to allow anyone on their property. Being caught on someone’s private property can result in result in your arrest if you have no valid excuse.
In Okmulgee, trespassing is often seen as a recreational activity and is a misdemeanor offense. Many private property owners place signs on their property as a notice or warning. The signs normally say “no trespassing”, “no loitering” or “no soliciting” followed by “violators will be prosecuted”. A no trespassing sign implies that the owner does not allow nor consent to people being on their property.
This sign has two purposes; to deter people from trespassing on private property, and to inform people where private property begins. While signs alone may have lackluster success deterring people from trespassing on private land, the threat of legal action is sure to scare away would-be adventurers.
Even when no sign is visible, that does not grant consent for loitering or trespassing. This means picking fruit off trees and bushes on private property could be trespassing.
Call a lawyer as soon as possible if you are accused of trespassing on private property. Speak with a criminal defense attorney to determine the best approach to criminal charges or the threat of criminal charges.
Is Mud-Bogging Trespassing?
Even when private properties have “no trespassing” signs, people might not heed the warning and leave the premises. Trespassing can happen with or without a sign informing people when they are not allowed on private land.
For example, the recreational activity of mudding, formally known as mud-bogging, can be grounds for trespassing if done on private property. For those unaware, mudding is an activity where someone drives a motor vehicle through the mud to either create a large mud splash or to create patterns in the mud.
Mudding may seem harmless at first glance, however, it has the potential to ruin fertile land. Depending on the damages accrued from mudding, property owners may have enough evidence to file a lawsuit.
If convicted, you could face a fine of $250 and 10 days in jail for your first mud-bogging offense. On a second mud-bogging experience, you may face 20 days in jail, and on the third offense, you may receive up to six months in jail.
Aggravated Recreational Trespass
Mudding is dangerous when done alone. The risk of serious injury or death grows depending on how many people are present. Driving an automobile recklessly on private property could be considered aggravated recreational trespassing if the driver poses a threat to others. In this case, you could be assessed a $500 fine as well as up to 10 days in jail.
Trespassing In Okmulgee Stores
Storekeepers who know a person has a past filled with disturbing the peace, vandalism, or shoplifting may refuse to offer you service. In fact, store owners may even ban people who have certain convictions, when this happens, the store owner must inform anyone they ban.
The banned shopper must leave the property once the owner informs them of their ban. Any attempts to loiter or stay on the property may result in an arrest. You could spend up to 30 days in jail and pay up to $250 in fines.
Low-cost Consultation with Criminal Defense Attorney
Sometimes you are at the wrong place at the wrong time. When that happens call an Okmulgee criminal defense lawyer to help you get out of a bind.
Call Wirth Law Office – Okmulgee to set up your initial strategy session by calling (918) 756-9600. You may also fill out our consultation form on this page. One of our Okmulgee criminal defense attorneys will promptly return your message.