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 North Carolina, criminal trespass is defined under North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) § 14-159.13. A person commits the offense of criminal trespass if they enter or remain on the property of another without authorization and after having been notified not to enter or to leave the premises. This can include residential, agricultural, and recreational land, as well as buildings and vehicles. There are different degrees of criminal trespass in NC, with the severity of the offense often depending on factors such as the type of property, the presence of any 'No Trespassing' signs, and the intent of the trespasser. Penalties for criminal trespass in North Carolina can range from a Class 3 misdemeanor for first-degree trespass to a Class 2 misdemeanor for second-degree trespass, which may result in fines, community service, probation, or jail time, depending on the circumstances and the trespasser's criminal history.