Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

I was recently caught trespassing on abandoned property in Highland Park, Michigan. I received a misdemeanor ticket and a court date. I don't know if i should ask for a plea or not. I am a photography student, when we arrived on the property, an abandoned school, there were no "no trespassing" signs anywhere, the doors and windows were all wide open. I had no idea it was owned by someone. We were not seen inside the building, the police stopped us as we were walking around the outside of the property.

I have a clean record. I don't know if i should ask for a plea and hope they don't charge me the maximum fine and put this on my record, or if I should fight it because of the circumstances. What should I do?


Asked on 9/08/13, 10:51 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Christopher Brown Brown & Associates, Legal Services, PLLC

Contact me on my alternate number. I need more information. A conviction could have many unforseen consequences. I will advise you.

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Answered on 9/08/13, 11:12 am
William Morrison Action Defense Center

In order for trespass to occur, the property has to be posted, e.g. a "No Trespass" notice, or the owner can personally (or through an authorized agent like a guard) tell you to stay out. But, you can't enter buildings without permission. Somebody saw you inside and called the cops. Highland Park can't afford to have enough police to routinely watch abandoned buildings.

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Answered on 9/08/13, 1:58 pm


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