Trespassing laws can vary from state to state and even from city to city within a state. In Oklahoma City, it is important to understand the municipal trespassing ordinances that are in place in order to avoid potential fines and legal issues.
According to Oklahoma City ordinances, it is illegal to enter or remain on the property of another person without their consent. This includes both public and private property. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as when an individual has a legal right to be on the property, such as a police officer or utility worker, or when the property is open to the public, such as a park or shopping mall.
Note: 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
Navigating Municipal Trespassing Ordinances in Oklahoma City
Trespassing in Oklahoma is a misdemeanor crime. Depending on the specifics of the alleged trespass, charges may result in fines, jail time, or both.
There are several different ways in which an individual can be charged with trespassing in Oklahoma City. These include:
- Entering or remaining on someone’s property without their permission
- Refusing to leave someone’s property when asked to do so
- Entering or remaining on someone’s property for an unlawful purpose, such as vandalism or theft
There are also several places in Oklahoma City that have specific trespassing ordinances in place. For example, it is illegal to enter or remain on school grounds when school is not in session without permission from the school administration. It is also illegal to enter or remain on construction sites without permission from the owner or contractor.
Penalties for Violating Trespassing Ordinances in OKC
Penalties for trespassing in Oklahoma City vary depending on the severity of the offense and the individual’s criminal history. For a first offense, an individual may face a fine of up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail. Repeat offenses can result in larger fines and longer jail sentences.
Entering a pecan grove can likewise incur a $250 fine. Theft, destruction, or waste of anything else in the grove is punishable by fines of up to $500, jail sentences of 30 to 180 days, or both.
Recreational Trespass
Many people enjoy the sport of off-road four-wheeling, dirt biking, or riding ATVs. However, according to Oklahoma’s recreational trespass law, driving off-road on private property or on a private property owner’s wet, muddy roads can result in a mud-bogging charge.
However, a vehicle is not necessary to be charged with recreational trespass. Recreational trespass can also include leaving gates open while taking part in recreational activities on private property, damaging private property, blocking roads, or even littering.
A $250 fine and up to 10 days in jail are possible penalties for being found guilty of recreational trespass.
For a second offense within a year, a 20-day jail sentence is possible.
A third or later conviction carries a six-month jail sentence as well as increased fines.
Aggravated Recreational Trespass
The stakes are raised when careless driving in other motor vehicles or on private property puts other people in danger. In that situation, you could face an upgraded charge: aggravated reactional trespass.
Aggravated recreational trespassing is punishable by a $500 fine, 10 days in jail, or both on first offense.
Low-cost Consultation With an OKC Trespass Attorney
If you find yourself charged with trespassing in Oklahoma City, speak to an OKC misdemeanor defense attorney to learn what your options are. Contact the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City by calling (405) 588-4529. (588-4LAW). If you’d prefer, you can reach an OKC misdemeanor defense lawyer directly by using the contact form at the top right of this page.