{"id":375411,"date":"2018-02-01T00:20:21","date_gmt":"2018-02-01T05:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-criminal-trespass-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-02-01T00:22:08","modified_gmt":"2018-02-01T05:22:08","slug":"north-carolina-criminal-trespass-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-criminal-trespass-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Criminal Trespass Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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North Carolina 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 updated\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

Trespass is generally defined as the act of intentionally<\/a> entering or staying on someone else’s property without permission. The element of intent is meant to prevent a criminal charge for accidentally entering someone else’s property. Generally, however, entering property where a there’s a "No Trespassing" sign can be enough to show intent for criminal trespass purposes. It’s important to note that each state has its own definition of conduct that qualifies as trespassing<\/a>. North Carolina, for example, divides its criminal trespass laws into first and second degree trespass.<\/p>\n

North Carolina Criminal Trespass Laws Overview<\/h2>\n

Below you will find key provisions of criminal trespass laws in North Carolina.<\/p>\n\n
Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\n

North Carolina General Statutes Section 14-159.11<\/a>, et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

What’s Prohibited?<\/b><\/td>\n

First degree trespass<\/i> (Section 14-159.12<\/a>): Without permission entering or remaining:<\/p>\n

Charges<\/b><\/td>\n

First degree trespass<\/i> is generally a Class 2 misdemeanor<\/u>. However, the following circumstances change the classification of the crime:<\/p>\n

Penalties<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

The penalties for a misdemeanor will be based on the guidelines provided by Section 15A-1340.20<\/a>, et seq., and Section 15A-1340.13<\/a>, et seq. for a felony. Additionally, if the criminal trespass is classified as a Class I felony, a fine of at least $1,000 will be imposed.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

North Carolina Criminal Trespass Laws: Related Resources<\/h2>\n

If you’d like more information related to this topic, you can click on the links below:<\/p>\n