Court Opinion

ID: 9650285
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 15:28:23.671377+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:12:19.406535
License: Public Domain

*279MANDERINO, Justice,
concurring.
I join in the majority opinion but would further note that one who is indicted for burglary, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3502(a) is not aware that a defense may be necessary as to the other elements contained in the crime of criminal trespass, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3503(a)(1) which are different than the elements of burglary. Criminal trespass does not involve breaking and entering, instead, it encompasses subterfuge or surreptitious means of remaining on the premises. A person accused of burglary has no reason to prepare a defense to establish that he did not enter by subterfuge or surreptitiously remain. Therefore, a conviction of criminal trespass under these circumstances denies the accused not only of his right of notice but also of his opportunity to defend.