No Trespassing for Utah Teenagers

Many areas in Utah are clearly marked with no trespassing signs, yet in their curiosity, teenagers out exploring still venture in these spaces illegally.
Utah Code 76-6-5 states that trespassing includes persons who:
• “Enters or remain unlawfully on property and
• Intends to cause annoyance or injury to any person or damage property (graffiti)
• Intends to commit any crime […] or
• Is reckless as to whether his presence will cause fear for the safety of another
• Know[s] the person’s entry or presence is unlawful,” by personal communication, fences, or posted signs.

After Hours

Public places such as parks, schools, and stores are marked with no trespassing or no loitering signs after dusk or business hours. This is to discourage people such as teenagers from idly hanging out in dark places unsupervised, which can lead to vandalism or theft.

Private Property

Other areas that no trespassing signs are frequently located on are private property. A large amount of Utah residents feel that their home or land is their personal space that no other person should tread on without permission. Whether the property owners feel they are protecting their assets, themselves, or simply don’t want visitors; they are allowed by law to press charges for anyone that trespasses when they have correctly posted signs discouraging it.

Danger-Keep Out

Besides facing criminal charges by ignoring posted no trespassing signs, Utah teenagers can put themselves in danger as several of the areas zoned off for no trespassing are done so for safety reasons. These include:
• Construction sites
• Electrical power plants or poles
• Waste water holding ponds
• Abandoned mines
• Gun ranges
• Farms or residences with unfriendly animals
• Train tracks
• Jails or prisons

Criminal Charges

For teens who are charged as minors, committing criminal trespassing may end the teen with a fine or community service, depending on the extent of the violation and any other conduct during the time of trespassing. For those  charged as adults, they will face a class B misdemeanor for trespassing or a class A misdemeanor for trespassing if it is a residence. Contact a criminal defense attorney today if you or your teenager are facing criminal trespassing charges.