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 South Carolina, criminal trespassing is defined under the state's penal code, specifically in Title 16, Chapter 11, Article 7 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. A person is guilty of criminal trespass if they enter or remain on another's property without consent and after having been warned not to enter or to leave the premises. This can include residential, agricultural, and recreational land, as well as buildings and vehicles. The warning can be verbal, written, or in the form of posted signs. Penalties for criminal trespass in South Carolina vary depending on the circumstances and the severity of the offense but generally include fines, imprisonment, or both. For example, a first offense may result in a fine of up to $200 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, while subsequent offenses may carry harsher penalties.