Criminal Trespass
Some people take criminal trespass cases lightly, but that is a mistake. Property owners push police and prosecutors to take criminal trespass charges seriously. As a result, you could face jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. All this can damage your reputation, career prospects, and future. If you or your loved one is facing a criminal trespass allegation in Dallas, you need an experienced Dallas criminal trespass lawyer in your corner.
Dallas Criminal Trespass Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been accused of criminal trespass in Dallas, contact the Law Office of Mike Howard. Most importantly, Dallas criminal trespass lawyer Mike Howard has the experience, trial skills, and dedication that you need when you are fighting for your life. We will do everything we can to fight for you. Moreover, Mr. Howard will give you an honest assessment of your case and explain the law and your legal options.
A Different Kind of Lawyer
We approach our clients differently than a lot of lawyers. Above all, our philosophy is that being a great criminal defense lawyer is more than getting you a great result. First, our office is centered around you. This means we start by truly listening to you to understand your case and your goals. Further, our team works to provide you a client experience that is as easy and stress-free as possible. Answering your questions and keeping you informed is very important to us. Most importantly, we treat you as a person, not a number. Finally, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. If you’re looking for a different kind of lawyer you’ve come to the right place.
Our Case Process
Listen & Understand
We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then we make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.
Open Communication
We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.
Fight for Justice
Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you. Whether you’re dealing with serious charges like criminal trespassing or seeking to expunge a criminal trespassing conviction from your record, we are committed to exploring all legal options to safeguard your future and your reputation.
Criminal Trespass Charges in Dallas
A person commits criminal trespass (Texas Penal Code § 30.05) if the person enters or remains on or in property of another, without effective consent and the person:
- had notice that the entry was forbidden. OR
- received notice to depart but failed to do so.
Unlike in a burglary case, for criminal trespass, “entry” requires intrusion of the entire body. This means the accused’s person’s entire body must enter the property. It’s not enough to stick your arm through a window, for instance.
Related Charges
Burglary is a similar offense to criminal trespass. Often times if the prosecutor cannot prove burglary, they will charge criminal trespass. For information about burglary, see our burglary page.
See our property crimes page for more information about property crimes generally.
Resources and Information
See our criminal defense resource center for more information on fundamental rights in a criminal case, definitions of culpable mental states (intentionally, knowingly, etc), defenses to prosecution, and more.
Criminal Trespass Penalties
Criminal trespass is generally a Class B misdemeanor. As a result, you could face up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. Criminal trespass of a habitation, however, is a Class A misdemeanor. As a result, you could face up to 1 year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine. If the accused person carries a deadly weapon during a criminal trespass offense, that is also a Class A misdemeanor.
Defending Criminal Trespass Charges in Dallas
First and foremost, the prosecutor must prove their allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot rule out each and every possible reasonable doubt, the presumption of innocence prevails. As a result, the court must find you not guilty. This means you don’t have to prove that you didn’t do it. You don’t have to prove anything!
The only way the prosecution wins is if the jury believes their story is the only reasonable way it could’ve happened. If they have any reasonable doubts that it actually happened, they must find you not guilty. If they reasonably think it could’ve happened another way, they must find you not guilty. This is the highest burden of proof in our justice system. When implemented by a skilled Dallas criminal trespass attorney, it can be a powerful weapon.
Choosing the Right Criminal Trespass Lawyer in Dallas
Searching for criminal trespass lawyers in Dallas can be overwhelming. After all, you are choosing someone who will hold your life, your future, and your family’s future in their hands. You have to be comfortable with them and feel that you can trust the information and advice they give you. Lawyers are supposed to always work in their clients’ best interest. That shouldn’t just be meaningless talk.
First, talk to several lawyers to get a feel for them and their staff. Do they take the time necessary to get to know you, to listen to what’s important to you, and answer your questions? Second, do they show you that you matter to them as a person and not just as a fee? Third, beware of lawyers who put the hard sell on you, who make big promises. No lawyer should ever make a guarantee about a case. Finally, absolutely avoid a lawyer who doesn’t communicate the scope of the work and their fee clearly in a written contract.
What Makes Mike Howard Different
Many attorneys take advantage of their clients’ ignorance of the criminal justice process. We take the opposite approach. A knowledgeable client is a happy client. Therefore, we provide a wealth of information in the way of articles about criminal offenses, blog posts, and videos for free on our website.
Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.
Dallas Criminal Trespass Attorney Mike Howard
Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas criminal trespass attorney fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.
Client-Centered
The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals. I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case, but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.
Willing to Fight
Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court. I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. When your Dallas criminal trespass attorney has a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer who fights for their clients, however, it can make all the difference in the world.
