As reported by Bruce Landis in the June 23, 2013 edition of the Providence Journal, a Portsmouth man has been arrested and charged with trespass. The man alleged climbed up a tower on the Mt. Hope Bridge. The man filmed the event and put the video online. Through a review of social media, the police determined the man's identity and recently arrested him.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 11-44-26, willful trespass is defined as every person who willfully trespasses or, having no legitimate purpose for his or her presence, remains upon the land of another or upon the premises or curtilage of the domicile of any person legally entitled to the possession of that domicile, after having been forbidden to do so by the owner of the land or the owner's duly authorized agent or a person legally entitled to the possession of the premises.
(b) This section shall not apply to tenants or occupants of residential premises who, having rightfully entered the premises at the commencement of the tenancy or occupancy, remain after that tenancy or occupancy has been or is alleged to have been terminated. The owner or landlord of the premises may recover possession only through appropriate civil proceedings.
The penalties if convicted include a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both. Trespass can also be charged as a domestic violence crime, which would allow of the imposition of additional penalties of domestic violence counseling and a no-contact order.
If you or a family member has been charged with trespass, assault or other domestic violence offenses, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.