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 Maryland, criminal trespassing is defined under Maryland Criminal Law Code § 6-402. A person may be charged with criminal trespass if they enter or remain on property without lawful authority and after being notified that entry is forbidden or being asked to leave. This includes various types of property such as residential, agricultural, recreational, as well as vehicles and buildings. The notice that entry is forbidden can be given in different forms, including posted signs, fencing, or verbal communication. Penalties for criminal trespass in Maryland vary depending on the circumstances and the type of property involved. They can range from a misdemeanor with a fine to imprisonment, or both. For instance, trespassing on posted property is a misdemeanor that can result in a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both. It's important for individuals to understand that consent is a key element in trespassing cases, and the absence of consent to enter or remain on the property is what constitutes the offense.