Third Degree Criminal Trespass Charges at the Larimer County Courts, Colorado
Yes, You Can Be Charged with Trespassing for Being in a Public Space

You can be charged with Third Degree Criminal Trespass if you're in a public space. Learn more about specific circumstances here.

Third Degree Criminal Trespass, C.R.S. 18-4-504, is charged for unlawfully entering or remaining on another’s property.  It may come as a surprise, but this charge includes public spaces.  Some common ways people are charged with 3rd Degree Trespassing include remaining at a public space after an employee asked them to leave, or going to a public place after posted hours.  If you have been charged with Third Degree Criminal Trespass, don’t wait – give our top Larimer County criminal defense lawyers a call today.

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Criminal Trespass, C.R.S. 18-4-504 at the Larimer County Courts

How Could I Be Charged with Trespassing if I’m in a Public Space in Fort Collins?

Larimer County Jail Time and Other Penalties for Trespassing in Loveland and Estes Park

Colorado’s Law on Third Degree Criminal Trespass, C.R.S. 18-4-504 at the Larimer County Courts

Colorado’s law on Third Degree Criminal Trespass, C.R.S. 18-4-504, is as follows at the Larimer County Courts:

A person commits the crime of third degree criminal trespass if such person unlawfully enters or remains in or upon premises of another.

Many municipal codes, such as the Fort Collins Municipal Code sec. 17-40, also prohibit acts of Trespassing:

No person shall enter or remain unlawfully in or upon property, whether publicly or privately owned. For the purposes of this Section, the term property shall include, but not be limited to, any land, dwelling, building, conveyance, vehicle or other temporary or permanent structure.

How Could I Be Charged with Trespassing if I’m in a Public Space in Fort Collins?

It may seem silly, but you can be charged with Trespassing if you’re in a public space in Fort Collins.  Some ways this can happen are:

  • You’re on public property, but it is after posted hours.
    • Example: You visit City Park after closing time. The Fort Collins Police find you there and arrest you for Trespassing.
  • You were lawfully on public or private property, but you have been asked to vacate the premises and you refused.
    • Example: You’re out drinking with friends at a bar in Old Town. You have a few too many, and the bartender asks you and your friends to leave.  You refuse, and the bartender calls the Fort Collins Police.  You may have been at the bar lawfully to begin with, but as soon as someone tells you to leave, you have to comply.

Larimer County Jail Time and Other Penalties for 3rd Degree Trespassing in Loveland and Estes Park

3rd Degree Trespassing is a petty offense in Loveland and Estes Park, punishable by up to 10 days in the Larimer County Jail and a fine of up to $300.  If you have been charged, don’t wait to contact a top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Larimer County Courts.  Third Degree Criminal Trespass charges may not seem like much, but they can actually make it more difficult to apply for a job and enjoy other privileges.  Give us a call today, and together, we can protect your future.


Have you been charged with Third Degree Criminal Trespass?  Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent.  Then call 970-658-0007 to discuss your case with a top criminal defense lawyer from the O’Malley Law Office today.  Together, we can protect your future.

The location for the Larimer County Justice Center is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!

Photo by Robert So

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