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 Mississippi, criminal trespass is defined under Mississippi Code Section 97-17-97. A person commits the offense of criminal trespass when they knowingly enter or remain upon someone else's property without permission and after having been forbidden to do so, or if they fail to leave after being asked to depart. This includes various types of property such as residential, agricultural, recreational, as well as buildings and vehicles. The law covers trespassing on both private and public property. Penalties for criminal trespass in Mississippi can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense and any prior trespassing convictions. It is important for individuals to respect property boundaries and to leave when asked by the owner or lawful occupant to avoid potential legal consequences.