Claude Melvin Welch

It is illegal to enter or stay on someone else's property without their permission. You violate this law if you go onto or remain on property knowing the owner did not consent to your presence, though consent is assumed for businesses open to the public. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $50 fine. You have a defense if you reasonably believed you had permission, your presence didn't significantly interfere with the owner's use, and you left immediately when asked—but only if the owner did not post visible "no trespassing" signs or purple paint marks at entry points.

Penalty: Class C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50

It is illegal to knowingly throw, drop, or place trash on public or private property without permission and not immediately pick it up, or to negligently throw glass or dangerous items near public swimming areas or highways, or to discharge sewage, oil, or litter into public waters. A violation is a violation (the lowest offense level) with no jail time or fine specified in this statute. The law allows courts to assume the vehicle operator is responsible for litter thrown from a moving vehicle or to identify someone as responsible if their personal information is found in the trash.

Penalty: Violation

Violating an order of protection or restraining order issued by a court is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. To be convicted, the person must have received notice of the court order, had a chance to appear in court, and the court must have made specific findings that the person committed domestic abuse or other qualifying conduct.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500