Philadelphia Attorney for Trespassing on Federal Property
If you wish to enter a military base or another type of federal property, trespassing on that property is not the option that you should choose. Not only do you risk being mistaken for a serious threat, but you can also be arrested and charged with a serious crime. If you or a family member was arrested for trespassing on federal property, consult with an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney today.
The Law Offices of Lloyd Long understand the stress of facing a federal offense, and we are here to guide you through the federal criminal process. Criminal defense attorney Lloyd Long possesses several years of legal experience, and he would be honored to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, contact the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171, or contact us online.
Federal Trespassing Law
Trespassing on federal property can land a person in serious legal issues. Section 1382 of Title 18 of the United States Code discusses what circumstances can get a person arrested for federal trespassing. Section 1382 states that an individual can be charged with federal trespassing if they enter federal property with the intention of committing an illegal action. For example, if a defendant enters a military base to steal military equipment, they can be charged with federal trespassing and other crimes.
It is important to note that trespassing on federal property to commit an illegal offense is a specific intent crime. This means that if a defendant entered the property by mistake or with no intent to commit another crime, they may not be lawfully charged with this offense. However, illegal entry onto federal property is not always a specific intent crime. In some cases, walking onto a military base without authorization is enough to charge a person with a crime.
Additionally, if a person reenters a military base after they were removed from the base and informed not to return, they will be charged federal trespassing. Specific intent does not apply to this crime. This means if a person is spotted at a military installation after they were prohibited from returning, their presence is enough to be charged with a crime.
Trespassing at a restricted federal building or property that is not a military installation is also a crime. If a person enters federal property without authorization or with the intent of committing an illegal offense, they can be charged with a crime.
It is important to note that if a significant national event was taking when the trespass occurred, the penalties for the crime could be dramatically increased. For example, sneaking onto federal property that contains the President of the United States can result in severe penalties.
To learn more about the criminal penalties for trespassing on federal property, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia trespass defense attorney.
Penalties for Federal Trespassing in Pennsylvania
If you were charged with an offense for federal trespassing, you should be aware of the penalties for that crime if you are convicted. The penalties for federal trespassing can vary depending on the circumstances of the crime. For example, trespassing and committing theft will likely result in being charged with multiple criminal offenses.
Violating federal law and trespassing on a military, naval, Coast Guard, or similar type of installation can result in a maximum of six months in prison and a $500 fine. If a defendant trespassed on restricted federal property, the penalties would depend on the circumstances of the offense. For example, if a defendant simply enters federal property illegally, they are subject to one year of imprisonment if they are convicted.
If a defendant enters restricted federal property while brandishing a weapon or if they cause a person to suffer a serious bodily injury while trespassing, they can face up to 10 years in prison and criminal fines.
There are some defenses to trespassing that could help a defendant in their case. As mentioned, if the trespassing statute intended the crime to be linked to specific intent, showing that a defendant did not have the intent to commit a crime can be a valid defense. However, remember that in some cases, a defendant merely has to enter the premises to be charged with an offense.
Contact an Experienced Philadelphia Trespassing on Federal Property Lawyer
If you or a family member was charged with trespassing on federal property, contact an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of Lloyd Long want to provide you with the legal representation that you deserve. That is why we avoid taking a large volume of cases so that we give each client’s case the attention it needs. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171.
