While we’d like to think we are free to go where we please, not being careful while hiking or off-roading can land you in trouble. If you see a no-trespassing sign – or even if you don’t- and step onto someone else’s personal or commercial property, you could get charged with criminal trespass in Oklahoma.
The laws are very specific — criminal trespass in Oklahoma City, or anywhere else, can result in fines and jail time.
Trespassing in Oklahoma City is a Misdemeanor
Despite being called criminal trespass, trespassing in Oklahoma is typically treated as a misdemeanor. But that doesn’t mean the penalties should be taken lightly!
For a first offense, you could face a fine of up to $250 and 10 days in jail; a second offense increases this to a fine of up to $500 and 20 days in jail.
A third offense could result in a $2,500 fine and up to six months in jail.
On top of that if you stole something or caused other damage while trespassing, you could receive a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days of jail time on top of those aforementioned penalties. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1835
Oklahoma Trespassing Law No Longer Requires Signage
As of November 1, 2021, Oklahoma law no longer requires signage. As a result, there does not need to be a sign present for unauthorized entry to be considered trespassing. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1835
What this means is if you are charged with criminal trespass in Oklahoma, pointing to a lack of signs is no longer a valid defense.
Aggravated Recreational Trespass
Recreational trespass is the most common type of criminal trespass. As the name would imply, it’s charged when you’re on someone else’s property because you were engaged in some sort of recreational activity: ATV off-roading, hiking, mud bogging, etc.
While these activities may be fun, it’s always best to ask permission of the property owner before venturing onto someone else’s land. Failure to do so is an easy way to get charged with criminal trespass.
But here’s the important takeaway:
ATV off-roading and mud bogging involve driving around in what could be seen as a reckless manner. Prosecutors could claim you endangered the lives of others. This opens the door to being charged with aggravated recreational trespass.
On just the first offense, aggravated recreational trespass can result in a $500 fine, one year in jail, or both.
Low-cost Consultation With an OKC Misdemeanor Defense Attorney
If you find yourself charged with criminal trespass in Oklahoma, you need an attorney that understands Oklahoma criminal trespassing laws.
For a initial consultation with an Oklahoma City misdemeanor defense attorney, call the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at 405-588-4529 (55-4LAW) today. Or, if you prefer email, use the contact form on the right-hand side of the page. Whatever method you choose, a skilled OKC trespass lawyer will be in touch with you shortly.