Colorado is a state with lots of wilderness areas. If you are not paying attention it can be easy to get turned around on a hiking trail, or on your way up to the top of a 14er mountain. Before you know it, someone may ask you to 'get off my lawn.'

Read More: 20 Amazing Colorado Destinations Located on BLM Public Lands

What does Colorado law say about trespassing, and what are the different charges one might face? Keep reading to learn more about three of the most common types of trespassing in the Centennial State.

103.7 The River logo
Get our free mobile app

Types of Trespassing in Colorado

According to DenverCriminalDefenseLaywer.com, Colorado has established three degrees of trespassing.

  • 1st Degree: When someone enters a residence or motor vehicle to commit additional crimes.
  • 2nd Degree: When someone crosses into a fenced-off area or enters the common area of a hotel, condo, apartment building, or vehicle.
  • 3rd Degree: When a person illegally goes inside/stays within another person's premises.

Trespassing Charges in Colorado

According to RubenstienLawOffices.com, Charges for first-degree trespassing are a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a fine and/or jail time. First-degree trespassing in an occupied structure such as someone's home, is a felony that could come with a much larger fine and longer jail sentence.

Second-degree trespassing in someone else's vehicle is a class 2 misdemeanor. When it occurs on agricultural land with intent to commit a crime, it can be a class 4 felony. A conviction could result in a long-term jail sentence and up to $500,000 in fines.

Third-degree trespassing is a petty crime unless it's on agricultural land. In such cases, this can be a class 5 felony with a long-term prison sentence and/or a $100,000 fine.

Defending Trespassing Charges

According to Shouselaw.com, several considerations that can change the outcome of a trespassing charge include having the owner's permission to be on the property, not being away if you are on private property or agricultural land, having no intention to commit a crime, or if the property is not a dwelling or is abandoned.

LOOK: New Report Names 10 Colorado Cities With the Worst Drivers

According to 2022 data from Consumer Affairs, the 10 cities in the gallery below are home to some of the worst drivers in Colorado for fatal crashes, DUIs, and speeding fatalities.
Note - Townsquare Media is not calling the drivers in these cities the worst in the state. We are simply reporting on a roundup of data published by ConsumerAffairs.com, which has never been affiliated with our company. Please direct all criticisms and concerns to them. 

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: 13 Illegal Things to Do in Colorado

Feel like letting your hair down this weekend in the Centennial State? Have fun! Just be sure to avoid any of these thirteen illegal activities that will get you into trouble in Colorado. Which illegal activity in the gallery below surprises you the most? Open our station app and let us know.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

KEEP GOING: It Is Illegal To Throw These Things Away In Colorado

There are 14 items that should never be thrown out with the trash in Colorado. Check out this helpful list of hazardous waste reminders that should never go in the garbage in Colorado. While some of these items can be turned in on local hazardous waste collection days, six items on this list can get you into big trouble if you are caught dumping them at a landfill.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams