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 Maine, criminal trespass is defined under Title 17-A, §402 of the Maine Criminal Code. A person is guilty of criminal trespass if they knowingly enter or remain in any place they are not licensed or privileged to be. This includes residential, agricultural, and recreational land, as well as buildings, vehicles, and other types of property. The law specifies that a person commits this offense if they enter or remain on property after having been given notice that such entry is forbidden, or if they fail to leave after being instructed to do so. The notice can be given in various forms, including verbal communication, posted signs, or fencing designed to exclude intruders. Penalties for criminal trespass in Maine vary depending on the circumstances and can range from a violation to a Class C crime, with potential fines and imprisonment depending on the severity of the trespass.