569.140. Trespass in the first degree — penalty.
Illegally going onto or staying on someone else’s property
You commit first-degree trespass if you knowingly go into or stay on a building or property when you’re not allowed to.
1. A person breaks this law if they knowingly enter or stay somewhere they aren’t allowed—like a building or private property.
2. You aren’t trespassing just for being on someone’s land unless:
- (1) You were told directly not to be there; or
- (2) There are signs or fencing that clearly show people should stay out.
3. Trespassing in the first degree is usually a class B misdemeanor. But it’s more serious if:
- The person trespassed to target a law enforcement officer or their close relative — then it’s a class A misdemeanor.
- The trespassing happened at a nuclear power plant — then it’s a class E felony.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
