A person commits the offense of criminal trespass or criminal trespassing by entering or remaining on the property of another—including residential land, agricultural land, recreational land (such as a vehicle park), a building, an aircraft, or an automobile—without consent and if the person (1) had notice that the entry was forbidden, or (2) received notice to depart, but failed to do so.
The definitions and penalties for criminal trespassing vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes).
In Iowa, criminal trespass is defined under Iowa Code section 716.7. A person commits criminal trespass when they enter or remain on someone else's property without permission and with knowledge that their entry is forbidden or after being told to leave. This includes various types of property such as residential, agricultural, recreational, as well as buildings and vehicles. Notice that entry is forbidden can be given in several ways, including verbal communication, posted signs, or fencing designed to exclude intruders. The penalties for criminal trespass in Iowa can range from a simple misdemeanor for a basic offense to a serious misdemeanor for trespassing with intent to commit a hate crime or while possessing a firearm. The severity of the penalty often depends on the circumstances of the trespass, any prior offenses, and the presence of aggravating factors.