Conn. Gen. Stat. 53a‑107 – Criminal Trespass in the First Degree

Connecticut General Statutes 53a‑107 explained for non lawyers

1. What the law prohibits

You break this law if you knowingly enter or stay on someone’s property when you’re not allowed, and one of the following applies:

1. You enter or remain after being personally told to leave by the owner or someone with authority.
2. You enter or remain in violation of a court-issued restraining or protective order.
3. You enter or remain in violation of a foreign protective order from another jurisdiction.
4. You enter or remain on public land after an authorized official has personally told you to leave.
   

2. What the penalties are if someone is convicted

• This is a Class A misdemeanor.
• You could face:
  • Up to 1 year in jail,
  • A fine up to $2,000,
  • Possible probation.

3. What the state has to prove to convict someone (Elements of the offense)

To convict someone, the prosecutor must show all of the following beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. The defendant entered or remained on premises without license or privilege—they knew they weren’t allowed.
2. At least one of the qualifying conditions applied:
   • They were personally ordered to leave by the owner or authorized person,
   • They violated a restraining or protective order,
   • They ignored a foreign protective order, or
   • They stayed on public land after a personal removal order by an official.

For the actual statute, you can visit Justia which has the actual law on its website.

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