Trespass Criminal Complaint Case in Washington, D.C.

The client had been preparing for employment for many years and feared disappointing his family, leading him to fabricate a story that he had been hired by a public corporation.

Hoping to make this story credible, he visited the actual worksite and obtained a temporary access pass by claiming he had left his original badge at home.

Once inside, he entered an office area, sat at an empty desk, and took photographs to send to his family.

Security personnel became suspicious, and the act resulted in a criminal complaint that included trespass allegations.

Throughout the investigation, officers focused on the client’s intent and the means by which he gained access.

Trespass accusations under D.C. Law may escalate quickly because entering a building by deception can satisfy the unauthorized-access requirement.

In this case, the trespass element was triggered by the client’s misrepresentation at the security desk and his presence in an employee-restricted area.

The police treated the event seriously, noting that corporate offices often contain confidential materials, which increases scrutiny when unauthorized visitors are found inside restricted workspaces.

Trespass in D.C. Centers on three elements: entry into a protected space, absence of lawful authority, and intent to enter or remain without permission.

Courts examine whether the accused used deception, misrepresentation, or unauthorized entry methods.

Here, because the client claimed to have forgotten his employee badge, investigators argued that the trespass was intentional.

Even though he did not damage property or steal information, the act of accessing a controlled office environment through deception triggered the statutory standard.

Trespass in Washington, D.C. Can result in fines, probation, or imprisonment depending on the severity of the act and whether aggravating factors exist.

Although this case did not involve violence or theft, security protocols in corporate offices are strict, and prosecutors often assert that unauthorized presence risks exposure of sensitive information.

As a result, trespass charges can still carry punitive consequences that may affect future employment or background checks.

Although the client briefly sat at a desk, video evidence clearly demonstrated that he did not open drawers, examine materials, or access the computer.

This distinction was critical: trespass may exist without any search activity, but an unlawful room search requires active rummaging or examination of items.

The defense used this to argue that only the trespass allegation not the search accusation was factually supported.

To prove an unlawful search beyond trespass, prosecutors must establish intentional review of protected materials.

D.C. Courts require evidence showing active manipulation of documents or attempts to obtain information.

By demonstrating that the client only took photographs of himself sitting at a desk, the defense highlighted the absence of any intent to search or examine corporate data.

This played a major role in limiting the scope of criminal exposure.

The legal team focused on demonstrating the client’s motive: he acted out of fear of disappointing his family, not for personal gain.

Counsel gathered CCTV footage, witness statements, and employment-related documents showing the client’s efforts to obtain genuine work.

This evidence established that the trespass occurred without any intention to commit further wrongdoing.

Defense counsel prepared mitigation materials, including family letters, mental-health documentation, and evidence of job-seeking efforts.

These materials helped the court view the trespass as an isolated lapse in judgment.

Ultimately, the court issued a suspended sentence with probation, allowing the client to avoid incarceration.

SJKP provides comprehensive support for trespass-related criminal complaints, including evidence assessment, negotiation, and mitigation preparation.

If you are facing a trespass investigation in Washington, D.C., contact SJKP for immediate defense guidance.