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A Man Trespasses at the White House: The Law in Colorado

Posted by Unknown | Jun 17, 2015 | 0 Comments

Security is an important thing, whether you are buckled in tightly on an airplane or locking up your house at night. But, when it comes to the White House, security measures are even more strict—or are they? Recently, a 43-year-old man jumped the fence of the White House, went around a Secret Service agent, and stepped foot into the mansion. He was on a mission to tell the president that the atmosphere was collapsing. When they investigated the man's truck, he had knives, ammunition, a machete and other weapons in his possession. He also was found with a knife in his pocket. As a result of this incident, the man faces charges of First and Second Degree Criminal Trespass.

What Are First and Second Degree Criminal Trespassing in Denver?

The definition of 1st Degree Criminal Trespass, C.R.S 18-4-502, in Arapahoe and Jefferson County is as follows:

“A person commits the crime of first degree criminal trespass if such person knowingly and unlawfully enters or remains in a dwelling of another or if such person enters any motor vehicle with intent to commit a crime therein.”

The man not only jumped the fencing, but he also pushed past a Secret Service man in order to enter the White House. This means that he unlawfully entered a dwelling place of someone else. And, the man was found with a weapon in his pocket. He was likely capable of committing a crime with the weapon, leading to charges of Criminal Trespass in the First Degree. This is a class 5 felony, which means that the man could face 1 to 3 years in prison, and face up to $100,000 in fines. As you can see, the stakes in a First Degree Criminal Trespass case can be high. This is why it is vital for your future to contact the best criminal defense attorneys in Denver to stand by your side.

The definition of 2nd Degree Criminal Trespass, C.R.S 18-4-503, in Douglas County is:

A person commits the crime of second degree criminal trespass if such person:

  1. Unlawfully enters or remains in or upon the premises of another which are enclosed in a manner designed to exclude intruders or are fenced; or
  2. Knowingly and unlawfully enters or remains in or upon the common areas of a hotel, motel, condominium, or apartment building; or
  3. Knowingly and unlawfully enters or remains in a motor vehicle of another.”

The 43-year-old man would likely face charges of Second Degree Criminal Trespass because he entered and remained upon an area that was surrounded by fencing. This is normally a class 3 misdemeanor charge, but it is a class 2 misdemeanor if the premises are used for agricultural land use. It is a class 4 felony if someone trespasses on premises used for agricultural land, with the intent to commit a crime. Since the man jumped fencing meant to protect the White House, he could face up to 6 months in the county jail for a class 3 misdemeanor charge.

Why You Need the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Adams County and Across Colorado

Sometimes there are false accusations and misunderstandings in criminal trespass cases. It is important that you do not let false accusations ruin your future, especially if a prison sentence is a possible outcome of First and Second Degree Criminal Trespass. A criminal record is serious enough that it could determine whether or not you can obtain a job. This is why the lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office believe it is crucial to defend our clients with passion. Often, we get dismissed charges or reduced sentences for our clients because of our aggressive approach. We are well-read in the court system and will fight on your behalf to win.

Get Help Now

If you or a loved one has been accused or charged with First or Second Degree Criminal Trespass, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.Request a Free Consultation

Image Credit: Pixabay – PeterDargatz

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Get Help Now

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in the Denver area, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the top criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future. Request a Free Consultation

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