{"id":374469,"date":"2018-10-04T11:19:26","date_gmt":"2018-10-04T16:19:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-criminal-trespass-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-10-04T16:55:44","modified_gmt":"2018-10-04T21:55:44","slug":"missouri-criminal-trespass-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-criminal-trespass-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Criminal Trespass Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Missouri Criminal Trespass Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

If you illegally enter someone’s property or stay there without their permission, you’ve committed the offense of trespass<\/a>. By committing this offense, you can face civil liability as well as criminal charges.<\/p>\r\n

Notice Requirements in Missouri<\/h2>\r\n

Property owners must give would-be trespassers notice that they can’t come onto the property. In Missouri, an owner meets the notice requirements by installing a fence, telling the person that they can’t enter the property, posting a "No Trespassing" sign, or by marking property with purple paint in a way that is described in the statute.<\/p>\r\n

Overview of Missouri Criminal Trespass Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Because of the way that statutes are written, it can be difficult to read them in their entirety and understand exactly what they convey. For the most accurate analysis, it’s best to work with an attorney for complex cases. However, if you just need simple clarification or need an introduction to the law before meeting with the attorney, refer to a plain English guide to the statutes. See the chart below for a simple overview of Missouri’s criminal trespass laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Missouri Revised Statutes:<\/p>\r\n

Purple Paint Statute<\/b><\/p>\r\n

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 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Missouri recognizes land marked with purple paint as a form of notice to trespassers that they can’t come onto the property.<\/p>\r\n

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  • Any real property owner or lessee can mark the property with purple paint;<\/li>\r\n
  • Purple paint marks are placed on trees or posts;<\/li>\r\n
  • Vertical paint lines must be at least 8 inches long; the bottom edge of each mark must be between 3 ft. and 5 ft. off the ground;<\/li>\r\n
  • Marks must readily visible to any person who approaches the property;<\/li>\r\n
  • Purple paint marks can’t be more than 100 ft. apart.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Trespass Offenses<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Trespass in the first degree:<\/b><\/i> Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in the county jail and a $500 fine.<\/p>\r\n

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  • Knowingly enters property unlawfully or knowingly refusing to leave after being told to leave;<\/li>\r\n
  • Enters onto property that is marked with purple paint marks as described by the law;<\/li>\r\n
  • Enters property with posted "No Trespassing" signs;<\/li>\r\n
  • Enters property that is fenced against intruders.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    Trespass in the second degree:<\/i><\/b> An infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $200.<\/p>\r\n

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    • Enters property of another unlawfully.<\/li>\r\n
    • An offense of absolute liability (liability without fault) which means that the property doesn’t have to be fenced or marked.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Related Offense<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Missouri Revised Statutes:<\/p>\r\n