Steven L Williams

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 intentionally damage someone else's property by destroying it, making it unusable, defacing it, or contaminating it with chemicals or toxic substances. The offense includes damaging merchandise in stores and marking or defacing government property. A violation is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. The charge is enhanced to a Class E felony (1-6 years prison) in certain circumstances, such as for repeat offenses or especially serious property damage.

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