Monmouth County Criminal Trespass Defense Lawyer
A conviction for criminal trespass can result in a fine as high as $10,000 and even jail time for as long as six months. Defendants need a good lawyer to protect their rights. Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo has over 18 years of experience helping clients in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, and throughout the state of New Jersey.
Attorney Carlos Diaz-Cobo is one of the few Latino criminal defense lawyers in the area, serving both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking defendants. He has a national reputation, with his cases featured on ABC, NBC, Asbury Park Press, Star Ledger, the NY Times, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Fox. He has a strong local reputation, having been named Criminal Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Middlesex County Bar Association. He and his dedicated team are the ones you want fighting for you or your loved one when facing criminal charges.
Call (848) 207-2709 or contact us online today to set up a free consultation.
Types of Criminal Trespass in New Jersey
The law identifies several distinct forms of trespass, each carrying different legal consequences depending on the circumstances:
Simple Trespass
Simple trespass occurs when an individual unlawfully enters or remains on another person's open property without consent. This can include walking across private land or being on property without an explicit invitation. While it may seem less serious, it is still usually treated as a petty disorderly offense.
Entry into Structures
Trespass charges escalate when unauthorized entry involves enclosed structures such as homes, commercial spaces, or government buildings. This act is treated more seriously as it can involve potential security risks or invasion of privacy.
Entry Into Fenced-off or Clearly Restricted Areas
Entering property that has clear boundaries or barriers, such as fences, locked gates, or posted "no trespassing" signs, is considered defiant trespass. The law considers these explicit warnings sufficient notice to deter entry, and violating them can lead to heightened penalties.
Defenses Against Criminal Trespass Charges
Every case is different, but there are some common strategies that we often explore depending on the circumstances:
When facing serious criminal charges, you need a relentless, trial-ready defense. As a Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer and award-winning attorney, Carlos Diaz-Cobo has the experience, reputation, and courtroom skill to fight for the best outcome in your case.
Sources of Evidence in Criminal Trespass Cases
One of the most valuable types of evidence is surveillance footage. Video recordings from security cameras or nearby properties can help demonstrate that the accused did not intentionally enter the property or was not present at the time of the alleged trespass. This can be particularly useful in cases involving defiant trespass charges or unauthorized entry into structures.
Another important piece of evidence is witness testimony. Statements from those who were present during the incident or who can vouch for the defendant's version of events may provide clarity on what actually transpired. For example, a witness may confirm that no trespassing signs were clearly visible or that the defendant had implied consent to enter the property.
Property maps or boundary markings can also be pivotal, especially in situations where the defendant may not have realized they were entering restricted or private property. Such evidence can corroborate claims of confusion about property lines or signage placement, potentially leading to a dismissal or reduction of charges.
Protecting Your Record and Reputation
A criminal trespass conviction is about more than the fines and even more than any potential jail time. Well after the sentence has been served, defendants still carry a lasting criminal record with them. Their reputation in the community is damaged. What they need is a strong lawyer who will believe in them and do everything possible on their behalf. That’s the kind of commitment defendants have gotten at Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo since our founding in 2006.
Call our office in Monmouth County or Middlesex County today at (848) 207-2709.
