Property Crimes Attorney in Missoula, MT
If you have been charged with a property crime, you need an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. At Holloway & Hulling, our top priority is protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case. Property crimes can be serious and can carry significant penalties. If you have been charged with a property crime, we advise that you contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
When You Need A Criminal Trespass Lawyer
Under Montana law, a person commits the offense of criminal trespass, generally, when the person purposely or knowingly and without authority enters another’s property. Criminal trespass can apply to unlawfully entering vehicles, occupied structures (homes), or upon the premises of another (land). Criminal trespass is a misdemeanor under Montana law and each offense is punishable by up to six (6) months in jail and a $500 fine. There are additional consequences for criminal trespass for purposes of hunting, fishing, or trapping on FWP lands—specifically, revoking a person’s privilege to hunt, fish, or trap in this state for up to 24 months.
At Holloway & Hulling, we are experienced at mitigating the penalties on criminal trespass offenses. Past results include dismissals, deferred sentences, and deferred prosecution agreements.
Burglary
Criminal trespass offenses can get more complicated quickly. Under Montana law, a person commits burglary if the person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in an occupied structure and: (a) the person has the purpose to commit an offense in the occupied structure; or (b) the person knowingly or purposely commits any other offense within that structure.
In other words, a relatively minor offense turns into a serious felony offense in Montana if a person is trespassing in an occupied structure and commits any other criminal offense, no matter how minor. Burglary is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $50,000; however, Holloway & Hulling attorneys have the experience and creativity to find mitigating factors and effectively advocate for the accused. Alternatively, if the case has to go to trial, we have experience clients can trust.
