In the early morning hours of Thursday, January 2nd, SCV Sheriff Station deputies received a report about a suspicious person on the roof of Saugus High School. When deputies arrived, they found that the person had gotten off the roof, was located near the tennis courts, and maybe under the influence of some substance.

Deputies detained the individual for further investigation.

While the reports did not state whether the suspicious person was charged, if he is, it may be with trespassing which is covered under California Penal Code 602 PC. The law makes it illegal to enter or remain on someone else’s property without their permission or the right to be there. Some of the most common examples of criminal trespassing include:

  • Entering someone else’s property with the intention of damaging that property
  • Entering someone else’s property with the intent of disrupting business or other activities that happen there
  • Entering and “occupying” another person’s property without their permission to be there, and
  • Refusing to leave private property after being asked to do so.

The above examples may seem pretty straightforward, however, there are some rather bizarre examples of criminal trespass as well.

  • Taking soil, dirt, or stones from someone else’s property without their permission
  • Taking oysters or shellfish from someone else’s land, and
  • Refusing screening at an airport or courthouse.

Trespassing can be charged as an infraction, a misdemeanor, and in rare cases, a felony. Each level carries with it an increase in penalties.

If charged as an infraction, the possible penalties include a $75 fine for a first offense and a $250 fine for a second offense on the same land. For a third offense on the same land, the charge itself is increased to misdemeanor trespassing.

If charged with misdemeanor trespassing, the potential penalties include misdemeanor probation, up to 1 year in county jail, and/or a fine of up to $1,000. In the rare case that criminal trespassing is charged as a felony, the potential penalties include 16 months to 3 years in county jail or an alternative sentencing of felony probation, and/or a fine of up to $2,000.

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval is a California Licensed Bail Bondsman and owner of SCV Bail Bonds. Robin writes blogs and articles to help increase community awareness of the bail industry. If you have questions or want to suggest a topic, email robin@scvbailbonds.com, visit www.scvbailbonds.com or call 661-299-2245.
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval

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