International Law Enforcement Academies (ILEA) Criminal Law Practice Exam

The definition of criminal trespass primarily revolves around the unauthorized entry onto someone else's property with knowledge that one is not allowed to be there. The act of refusing to leave a property after being asked, as indicated in the selected answer, encapsulates a key aspect of criminal trespass. This behavior reflects an infringement upon the property owner's rights and is often associated with a clear intention to disregard the property owner's authority over their premises. Criminal trespass does not necessarily require that the individual cause any damage to the property (which would pertain more to vandalism or criminal mischief), nor does it involve the intent to commit theft (as might be suggested by entering a secured area). Additionally, breaking into property for any reason also broadens the concept of trespass and might imply actions more severe than what is legally categorized as trespassing, such as burglary. Ultimately, the focus is on the unauthorized presence on someone's property despite being asked to leave, emphasizing the violation of a property owner's right to exclude others.