Source: https://www.propertymanagementsigns.com/state-by-state-no-trespassing-laws/
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 10:27:29+00:00

Document:
here are three degrees of criminal trespass (Sections 13A-7-2, 13A-7-3 and 13A-7-4). The harshest penalty is for someone trespassing in a dwelling (a Class A misdemeanor), the second most is for someone trespassing on property that is fenced or enclosed in a way to exclude intruders (a Class C misdemeanor), and the softest penalty is for someone who trespasses on other types of property (a violation).
Criminal trespass occurs when someone knowingly enters or remains unlawfully upon a premises, which could be proven if signs were posted on the property. The law is not specific whether the posting of signs would be enough to warrant a Class C misdemeanor (intruders are being excluded, but there is no physical enclosure).
It is a class 3 misdemeanor under article 13-1502, to knowingly enter or remain unlawfully on property. Knowingly is not expressly defined, but if someone likely passes a visible “no trespassing” sign on their way in, it can help demonstrate a trespasser’s awareness of their actions.
Purposefully entering or remaining unlawfully on another person’s premises is criminal trespass according to AR Code § 5-39-203. Trespassing receives a harsher punishment if it involves an occupiable structure or the removal of a posted sign or fence. The person aggrieved by a trespasser is entitled to recover actual damages caused, attorney’s fees and punitive damages.
California Penal Code 14.602.8 states that to keep unwanted persons off property, private land not enclosed by fence must have at least three signs per mile along exterior boundaries forbidding trespass. Also, all roads and trails entering the land must have signs posted. If someone willfully enters land that is either enclosed by fence or follows the sign requirements above, they will be in violation of the law and be punished in tiers.
If one unlawfully enters or remains on someone else’s premises, they are considered to have committed criminal trespass. Premises include buildings, land, motor vehicles or other property, and criminal trespass can be a first, second or third degree offence, depending on the circumstances. As stated by Colorado’s criminal jury instructions on trespass and criminal mischief, first and second degree prosecutions require proof of the individual knowingly committing the act, and regularly posted “no trespassing” signs can help prove that.
If private property has a fence or has signs posted that are “reasonably likely” to come to the attention of intruders, then trespassers will be responsible for their actions. CGS § 53a-107 to 110 states the differing degrees of trouble a trespasser would be in for different circumstances, but properly posting signs letting people know property is off limits is a good route to take.
All three degrees of criminal trespass outlined in Delaware codes § 821 to § 823 require the culprit to knowingly enter or remain unlawfully upon real property. By clearly posting signs telling people trespassing is not permitted on your property, you are both letting people know your intent and also letting people know they are now legally responsible to follow your demand.
Criminal trespass encompasses a varying degree of issues in Georgia Code 16-7-21. The typical “knowingly and without authority entering or remaining upon another’s property” is included, but so is intentionally damaging another person’s property with less than $500 of damage. Also, interfering with the possession or use of another’s property without consent falls under the umbrella of criminal trespass. Even more is covered (like the vandalism of monuments on private land to deceased persons who served in the military), but the main goal of a no trespassing sign remains the same: deter possible offenders from committing the act.
It is a second degree offense, according to Hawaii’s §708-814, to trespass if a person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully upon a premises that is designed to exclude intruders.
Also, knowingly entering or remaining on agricultural or unimproved or unused land without permission from the owner or other authorized individual would constitute a second degree offense. To ensure a trespasser knowingly entered, signs must be posted and read “Private Property” for agricultural land or “Private Property- No Trespassing” for unimproved or unused land and the lettering should be at least 2″ in height. The signs should be placed at reasonable intervals along the boundary of the property and at road and trail entrances. The signs must be clearly noticeable from outside the boundary line.
Criminal code Sec. 21-3 declares that a law has been broken if a person enters or remains upon land of another knowingly and without lawful authority, and that notice is given that entry is forbidden. “Notice” is defined as either verbally or written—and written could either be a court order (for a specific person) or a printed or written notice posted conspicuously at the main entrance to the property (for anybody). Specific purple marks on trees or posts (8″ length and between 3′ and 5′ height) are also a viable option to notify possible trespassers.
It is, therefore, crucial to notify possible trespassers of your desire for them to stay off the property, which would finally make them fall under the category of a trespasser if they failed to adhere.
No one is allowed to enter property owner by others without express, legal or implied authorization. Legal authorization covers law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, etc. RS14.63.3 further states that entering or remaining on property after being forbidden provides a tougher penalty (up to a $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail). Being forbidden can mean orally or in writing, which includes posted signage. Signs need to be posted where they “may be reasonably expected to be seen.” It is also illegal to help someone else criminally trespass when access is forbidden.
It is against the law to enter or remain in a place in defiance of personal communication by the owner or authorized person. Entering a dwelling or structure that is locked or barred without privilege is also unlawful, according to Chapter 17 §402. If a place posted in a likely manner to come to the attention of intruders—or is fenced—then it is also illegal.
Proper posting includes signs or paint markings. Signs must mention that access is prohibited, prohibited without proper permission, or prohibited for specific purposes. Paint must be at least 8″ in length, between 3 and 5 feet from the ground, and be of the color and type adopted by the Bureau of Forestry. Signs or paint markers must be placed at least every 100 feet around the boundary of prohibited property and at all vehicle entries from a public road.
If entry is prohibited without permission or for specific purposes, a sign can be used in conjunction with paint markings, but the signs don’t need to be placed every 100 feet.
Trespassing on posted property is a misdemeanor with escalating penalties for each time someone is convicted. Rules for posting are in Maryland Code 6-402, and state that signs and paint marks must be placed where they reasonably may be seen. Paint marks must be made on trees or posts at each entrance to property and next to public roadways, waterways and other land boundaries. Pint markers must also conform with Department of Natural Resources regulations.
Massachusetts criminal law 266-120 explains that a person can be arrested for entering or remaining on property after being forbidden to do so “by the person who has lawful control of said premises.” The three ways someone can be forbidden is by direct communication, a court order or by notice posted on the property.
This law does not apply to tenants after a contract is allegedly terminated—such a circumstance must go through appropriate civil proceedings.
Enter or remain (without lawful authority) on fenced or posted property without consent from the owner, occupant or an authorized agent—this does not apply to a person who is on the property to ask for permission.
The classification of illegal trespassing and the associated posting rules are very detailed in Minnesota statute 609.605. Entering and refusing to leave another’s land after being demanded to do so is one way to be in departure with this law. Other ways include entering another’s land to take or injure fruits or vegetables without permission, being at a cemetery after posted hours, permitting domestic animals to go on another’s land within a city, and trespassing on another’s locked or posted building without consent, except in emergency situations.
Posting in accordance to the previous example includes the placement of a sign at least 8 1/2″ x 11″ on the outside of the building or on the property in a highly visible location. The sign should instruct that trespassing is not permitted.
Entering or remaining on someone’s property after being forbidden, orally or in writing, can make the trespasser guilty of a misdemeanor—as stated in Mississippi Code 97-17-97. The punishment is up to a $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail. “In writing” above includes posting signs on buildings or land where they will be reasonably seen.
Trespass in the second degree is categorized as an infraction, while trespassing in the first degree is a class B misdemeanor. Therefore, the posting of “No Trespassing” signs should be a decent deterrent for possible trespassers.
Criminal trespassing to property is committed if someone knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in an occupied structure or on the premises of another. If convicted, the person will be fined up to $500 and/or be imprisoned for up to 6 months.
Position written notice no closer than 30 feet from the centerline of roadway at regular intervals of no more than every 1/4 mile along the roadway where it borders unfenced private land.
Nebraska statute 28-521 states second degree criminal trespass is a Class III misdemeanor unless defying an order to leave that was communicated personally, in which case it is a Class II misdemeanor.
It is unlawful trespassing if someone goes upon another’s property to harass the owner or a tenant. NRS 207.200 goes on to further define trespassing as willful entering or remaining upon another’s property after being warned not to trespass. Fluorescent orange posts are adequate warnings for agricultural land, but otherwise fencing or oral or written communication is necessary. Land that is posted or fenced makes the chance of conviction for a trespasser much higher.
Sign posting rules: Anyone besides the property owner or occupant must have written permission (from the owner or occupant) to post signs. Each sign must have the name and address of the owner or occupant on it. Not following these sign posting rules is a misdemeanor.
Trespassing is considered a crime of the fourth degree, a disorderly offense or a petty disorderly offense. It is the stronger offense if the trespass occurs in a dwelling, the medium offense if occurs in another type of structure, and the most lenient offense is when it occurs on other property.
N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3(a) states that someone commits the offense when they knowingly enter or remain on property that is not theirs, and that they are not authorized to do so. A trespasser can be proven to have knowingly done so by having signs posted on the premises in a conspicuous manner.
Conspicuously posted at a size of at least 120 sq. in.
Someone is deemed a trespasser if they willfully or maliciously enter the property of another after being forbidden to do so, or without the permission of the owner or an authorized agent. Being forbidden includes having signs that read “Property Restricted”, “Posted – Keep Out”, Keep Out”, “No Trespassing”, or something similar. Whether property is fenced or not, signs must be easily visible at all normally expected entry points to property.
Under Chapter 70 Section 1835.5, when someone is on the land of another without explanation (recreational trespass), the lack of signs is not enough to prove that permission was given.
If the property does have a right-of-way passing through it, then fluorescent orange paint or a different type of sign should be used. This sign should be very similar to “Private Property, No Trespassing Off Road Next ___ Miles”.
There are other designations for trespassers (simple trespasser, agricultural trespasser, etc.), depending on where and for which reasons the offense takes place.
One of the ways to forbid someone from trespassing is with posted signs. The signs should indicate what is forbidden (no trespassing, no hunting, no fishing, etc.) and they should be posted conspicuously with legible writing.
A person who enters the property of another willfully and without authority to do so can be held accountable by law. Section 16-11-610 specifically forbids trespassing for the purpose of hunting, fishing, trapping, collecting fruit, cutting timber and other purposes, but there are other sections that forbid an even wider variety of practices. If a landowner or tenant posts notice prohibiting entry in four conspicuous places on the border of their property, proof of the posting is considered conclusive in proving an intruder trespassed.
According to sections 22-35-5 and 22-35-6 of South Dakota’s Codified Laws, when a person enters, remains or refuses to leave any building or structure without privilege or permission, they will be guilty of trespass. The structure must either verbally warn or clearly post notice of trespass prior to the act. If a fence or another enclosure is present in which a reasonable person would recognize as being designed to exclude trespassers, that person will be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. If a trespasser refuses to leave after a personally communicated order to leave, the resulting charge will be a Class 1 misdemeanor.
The exceptions do not apply if a property owner places signs at all visible points of access and are reasonably likely to be seen.
According to Title 13 Chapter 81 Section 3705, proper notice of trespass can be done either verbally or through signs or placards situated to give reasonable notice. Any trespasser who fails to adhere to proper notice of trespass that enters or remains on any land or place will be subject to up to 3 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $500. In the case of vacant or abandoned property, actual communication with law enforcement will be considered consent. A person that enters or remains in a building other than a residence unlawfully may be subject to up to one year imprisonment and/or up to a $500 fine. A person who enters or remains in a dwelling house unlawfully may be imprisoned for up to three years and/or fined up to $2000.
Virginia’s no trespassing laws are very detailed and varied, so a good look at Code of Virginia Title 18.2 Sections 119-135 is recommended. Consent to enter or remain on property or premises can be given orally or in written fashion. Failure of a person to abide by those laws will be guilty of trespassing. If signage is used to forbid entry, they must be placed in a place of the premises or area that can be reasonably seen. In the cases of hunting, fishing and trapping, trespassers may be found guilty when signs or tree markings prohibiting those activities are posted or placed at entrances and adjacent roadways and waterways. Such indications must be reasonably seen and paint markings must be at least 3 feet from the ground but not exceeding 6 feet from the ground or normal water surface.
Title 9A.52 states that anyone who enters and remains unlawfully without privilege or license will be considered trespassing and charged with a misdemeanor. A property owner may place a no trespassing sign in an obvious and visible manner and that will be considered sufficient to allow legal recourse.
According to Chapter 61 Article 61-3B, criminal trespassing is “willful unauthorized entry upon, in, or under the property of another.” While the punishment for violations of this code is often a misdemeanor and a fine, sometimes it may carry the penalty of a felony. The requirements for “posted land” states that “reasonably maintained signs are placed not more than 500 feet apart along and at each corner of the boundaries of the land” and must be noticeable from the boundaries of the land. Letters on the signs must not be less than 2″ in height and must contain the words “no trespassing”. Signs must also include the names of the owner, lessee or occupant of the land. If a property is less than five acres, has a dwelling house or property and is clearly private, it is not necessary to post notice in order to obtain the benefits of the article in regards to trespass on enclosed land.
Wisconsin’s crimes against property laws can be found in Chapter 943.13- 943.15. Wisconsin defines trespassing as “to enter or remain on enclosed, cultivated or undeveloped land of another without the express or implied consent of the owner or occupant”. Notice can be given through signs that are at least 11″ and they must be placed in at least two conspicuous places for every 40 acres to be protected. The sign must provide appropriate notice with the name of the person giving notice followed by the word “owner” or “occupant”. If using markings, they must be at least one foot long, include the phrase “private land” in a contrasting color and the name of the owner, and be spaced in at least two conspicuous places for every 40 acres.
Trespassing is considered criminal in Section 6-3-303 if one does it knowing they are unauthorized to do so, or after being notified not to do so. Notification can be by direct or indirect communication, or by the posting of signs that would reasonably be seen by would-be trespassers.

References: § 5
 § 53
 § 821
 § 823
 §708
 §402