The current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed day to day life as Southern California residents have been ordered to stay at home. The shelter in place orders have closed non-essential businesses, and that means Disneyland too. Disneyland temporarily closed in order to honor social distancing and stay at home orders issued in an effort to limit the spread of the contagious coronavirus.

Though the park is closed, ABC 7 News reported that an 18-year-old Anaheim resident, Jeremiah Smith, decided to enter the park anyway.  He apparently jumped the gate into the back of the California Adventure park. Police were called to the scene and found him near the construction site of the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride. Officers stated that they believe Smith was trying to steal items or equipment from the site. Smith was ultimately arrested and cited for trespassing.

In California, trespassing can be both a civil and criminal offense. California Penal Code 602 states that “every person who willfully commits a trespass by any of the following acts is guilty of a misdemeanor.” Many actions can qualify as trespass, but trespass can be as simple as entering the property of another person without permission from the owner. Also, if you refuse to leave when you are asked to leave, this too can be trespassing. If you harm the property of another, or take anything off it, it's also trespassing.

A misdemeanor trespassing charge can still result in several unwanted consequences including up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If you are facing criminal trespassing charges, it's important to talk to a knowledgeable Southern California criminal defense attorney. There are defenses available for a charge of trespass. Some of these defenses include showing that you had a permission to be on the property or showing that you had a legal right to be on the property.

A criminal charge of any kind is worth defending, as a criminal conviction can have negative consequences on your life and future. For diligent and zealous representation in your criminal case, contact the skilled criminal defense attorneys at the Kann California Law Group. We can discuss the details of your case in a free case consultation and go over your rights. Contact us today at 888-744-7730 or click through to our online contact form and one of our attorneys will call you right away.