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 Rhode Island, criminal trespass is defined under Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-44-26. A person commits criminal trespass if they knowingly enter or remain on someone else's property without the owner's consent. This includes residential, agricultural, and recreational land, as well as buildings and vehicles. The law specifies that it is trespassing if the person had notice that entry was forbidden or if they were asked to leave and failed to do so. The notice can be verbal, written, or in the form of posted signs. Penalties for criminal trespass in Rhode Island can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first or subsequent violation. More serious charges and penalties may apply if the trespassing involves breaking and entering or if the trespasser commits other crimes while on the property.