A person commits the offense of criminal trespass or criminal trespassing by entering or remaining on the property of another—including residential land, agricultural land, recreational land (such as a vehicle park), a building, an aircraft, or an automobile—without consent and if the person (1) had notice that the entry was forbidden, or (2) received notice to depart, but failed to do so.
The definitions and penalties for criminal trespassing vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes).
In Louisiana, criminal trespass is defined under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14:63. It is considered an offense when an individual enters or remains on property belonging to someone else without permission. This includes various types of property such as residential, agricultural, recreational, as well as buildings and vehicles. The individual must either have had notice that entry was forbidden or, if already on the property, failed to leave after being given notice to depart. Penalties for criminal trespass in Louisiana can vary depending on the circumstances but generally may include fines, imprisonment, or both. It is important for individuals to respect property boundaries and to leave when asked by the property owner or law enforcement to avoid potential legal consequences.