What is the default penalty for a trespass offense?

• A. A Class C misdemeanor up to $200
• B. A Class B misdemeanor
• C. A Class A misdemeanor
• D. A Felony

Answer: (A)

Trespass, in its simplest form, is treated as a minor offense. The default penalty is the lowest level of misdemeanor, which is a Class C. That means the offender faces a fine rather than jail time, with the fine capped at up to $200 in this jurisdiction. This default applies when there aren’t aggravating factors to push the case into a higher level of offense. If there are aggravating circumstances—such as trespassing on a habitation, lingering after being told to leave, or other conditions that raise the seriousness—the offense can be upgraded to a higher misdemeanor or even a felony, depending on the facts and the statutes involved. So the standard, non-aggravated trespass carries the Class C misdemeanor and a $200 cap.