Apartment Resident Trespasses into Neighbor’s Apartment and Screams at Daughter in Dunwoody

According to reports out of Dunwoody, a local resident is facing charges of criminal trespass, child cruelty, and assault in Georgia.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred last Saturday morning when he allegedly pushed the door open to his neighbor's apartment and screamed at their 14-year-old daughter. He told police that it was in regards to a barking dog at 3:00 am. The incident was recorded by the girl on her phone.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline only one of the offenses faced by the man in the story above - criminal trespass. The law can be somewhat vague as to what actions actually constitute criminal trespass so read on to get a better idea of the offense itself.

Criminal Trespass in Georgia

Georgia law defines the offense of criminal trespass in Georgia in O.C.G.A. §16-7-21. According to the law, there are several different ways that the criminal offense of criminal trespass can be committed. These ways include:

• When a person intentionally damages any property of another without consent of that other person and the damage thereto is $500.00 or less.
• When a person knowingly and maliciously interferes with the possession or use of the property of another person without consent of that person.
• When a person enters on the land or premises or into any part of any vehicle, railroad car, aircraft, or watercraft of another person for an unlawful purpose.
• When a person enters onto the land or premises of another person or into any part of any vehicle, railroad car, aircraft, or watercraft of another person after receiving notice from the owner that such entry is forbidden.
• When a person remains on the land or premises of another person or within the vehicle, railroad car, aircraft, or watercraft of another person after the owner has asked the person to leave.
• When a person intentionally defaces, mutilates, or defiles any grave marker, monument, or memorial to one or more deceased persons who served in the military.

Criminal trespass is classified as a misdemeanor. In Georgia, misdemeanors carried the sentence of either a fine up to $1,000.00, up to one year in prison, or both.

Practice Note

It is so important that if you or a loved one has been arrested that you contact and consult with a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney as soon as possible. Do not leave your case up to fate. Call now.