Wolf Law is proud to serve Denver and surrounding communities, including Wheat Ridge, Thornton, Northglenn, Littleton, Lakewood, and the broader Denver Metro area. Trespassing charges in Colorado are more complex than most people expect. What appears to be a minor property-related offense can escalate into a serious criminal charge depending on the type of property, the circumstances of entry, and the defendant’s alleged purpose. If you are facing a trespassing charge in Colorado, understanding the specific statute you are charged under and the defenses available to you is essential from the very start.

Wolf Law represents individuals across Colorado with a criminal defense practice focused on preparation, strategy, and strong legal advocacy. Attorneys and Partners Jeff Wolf and Colleen Kelley lead the firm’s defense team, each bringing decades of trial experience, sharp legal analysis, and a commitment to protecting their clients’ rights at every stage. Both attorneys are known for their national media presence, including commentary on Court TV and Law & Crime, and both bring that same level of analytical rigor and courtroom preparation to trespassing defense cases throughout Colorado. Together, they reflect Wolf Law’s philosophy that excellent criminal defense begins with a thorough understanding of every element of the charge.

Trespassing charges range from class 2 misdemeanors to class 5 felonies under Colorado law, and the difference between them depends on facts that a defense attorney must evaluate immediately. Our legal team is here to help.

What Is Criminal Trespass Under Colorado Law?

Colorado’s criminal trespass statute, found at Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-4-502 through 18-4-504, creates three distinct degrees of trespass, each with different elements and different penalties.

First-degree criminal trespass involves unlawfully entering or remaining in a dwelling — a place where a person lives — or in a motor vehicle with the intent to commit a crime. This is the most serious trespass offense, charged as a class 5 felony. Second-degree criminal trespass involves unlawfully entering or remaining on enclosed agricultural or horticultural land, or entering any building with intent to commit a crime, and is charged at the misdemeanor or low-level felony range. Third-degree criminal trespass is unlawfully entering or remaining on property and is a class 1 petty offense in its basic form under Colorado’s two-class misdemeanor system.

What Are Common Scenarios That Lead to Trespass Charges in Colorado?

Trespassing charges arise from a wide range of situations in the Denver Metro area. Our attorneys frequently represent clients in circumstances including:

Domestic situations: Trespass charges frequently arise from relationship disputes, especially where a protective order or restraining order is in place. Returning to a shared residence or entering a former partner’s property can be charged as criminal trespass, and when a protective order is involved, additional charges may follow.
Neighbor and property disputes: Boundary disagreements, easement disputes, and longstanding neighborhood conflicts can result in trespass charges even when the defendant believed they had a legitimate right to be on the property.
Commercial and business property: Being asked to leave a business and failing to comply, or returning to a business after being formally trespassed, is a common source of charges in Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood.
Abandoned and construction properties: Entering vacant buildings, construction sites, or properties that appear abandoned can result in trespass charges regardless of the defendant’s stated purpose or lack of intent to cause harm.
Camping and public space enforcement: Colorado’s evolving approach to camping ordinances and public space use has made trespass-related charges more common in urban areas, particularly along the Colfax corridor and in central Denver.

Why Trespassing Charges Matter for Your Rights and Future

Even third-degree criminal trespass, which is a petty offense at its base level, results in a criminal record that shows up on background checks. For first-degree criminal trespass — a felony — the consequences are far more significant: potential prison time, permanent felony record, and lasting impact on employment, housing, and professional licensing.

Trespass charges also commonly accompany other allegations. A domestic violence-related trespass may be filed alongside assault or harassment charges. A commercial trespass may accompany theft or damage to property allegations. When multiple charges are involved, the defense must address all of them together, not in isolation. Our attorneys evaluate the full picture from the very first consultation.

Facing a trespass charge in Denver, Aurora, or Lakewood? Call Wolf Law at 720.479.8574 for a free consultation. Our attorneys will evaluate every aspect of your case right away.

What Are the Defenses to Criminal Trespass in Colorado?

Trespass charges often turn on issues of permission, intent, and knowledge — all of which are factual questions that skilled defense attorneys are well-positioned to challenge. Common defense strategies include:

Permission or license to enter: A person who had actual or reasonably apparent permission to be on the property did not trespass. Our attorneys examine the history of the relationship between the defendant and the property owner and gather evidence of any express or implied consent.
Honest belief in right to enter: Colorado law recognizes that a person who genuinely and reasonably believed they had the right to be on the property may not have acted with the criminal intent required for a conviction. This defense is particularly relevant in property line disputes and co-occupancy situations.
Insufficient notice: For many trespass charges, the prosecution must establish that the defendant knew entry was not permitted. Where adequate notice was not given — no signage, no verbal warning, no written communication — this element may not be provable.
Constitutional defenses: In some situations, trespass charges implicate First Amendment rights — for example, when the defendant was engaged in protected expressive activity on property traditionally open to the public. Our attorneys evaluate whether constitutional protections apply.
Challenging the felony elements: First-degree trespass requires proof that the defendant entered a dwelling with intent to commit a crime. Our attorneys challenge both the characterization of the property and the proof of criminal intent.

How Trespassing Intersects With Protective Orders and Domestic Violence Charges

One of the most legally complex trespass situations arises when a protective order is in place. In Colorado, a violation of a protection order is itself a criminal offense — separate from the underlying trespass charge. When a defendant enters a property in violation of both the trespass statute and an active protective order, two separate criminal charges result.

Jeff Wolf and Colleen Kelley are both excellent trial attorneys who are deeply familiar with the intersection of trespass, domestic violence, and protective order violations in Colorado courts. Both have appeared on national platforms including Law & Crime and Court TV to discuss complex criminal matters, and both bring the same thorough preparation and strategic analysis to every trespass defense case they handle in Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Are Charged With Trespassing in Colorado

Do not return to the property
Regardless of your belief about your right to be there, returning to the property while charges are pending creates additional legal exposure and can be used against you.
Do not contact the property owner
Any communication with the alleged victim or property owner without counsel can be misinterpreted or used to support additional charges.
Gather evidence of permission
Text messages, emails, photographs, witness accounts, and any documentation that shows you had permission or a reasonable belief in your right to enter should be preserved and shared with your attorney.
Contact Wolf Law immediately
The earlier our legal team is involved, the more we can do to investigate the facts, challenge the charge, and protect your record. Call 720.479.8574 for a free consultation.

Contact Wolf Law to Defend Your Trespass Case

Trespassing charges in Colorado deserve serious legal attention. Wolf Law offers free consultations, and our attorneys will evaluate your case, identify every available defense, and build a strategy designed to protect your rights and your future. Call 720.479.8574 today.

Wolf Law serves clients throughout Colorado, including Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and the broader Denver Metro area. Whether your case is in Denver County Court, the Jefferson County Courthouse in Lakewood, or another Colorado court, our excellent legal team is here to fight for you. Call Wolf Law at 720.479.8574 for your free consultation.

Wolf Law | 720.479.8574 | Free Consultation | Colorado Criminal Defense

Featured Blogs

Certifications

Testimonials

Professional. Attentive. Experienced. Successful.

I was referred to Jeff by one of my friends who was recently represented by Wolf Law in his DUI case; I will be forever grateful for that recommendation. Jeff made this extremely stressful process feel much more manageable from start to finish. He was always responsive and highly communicative, even throughout my barrage of anxiety driven questioning. He was a maestro in the courtroom and was able to get me the absolute minimum penalties. He even got certain areas of my very unique case dismissed – saving me thousands of dollars in the process. While I hope I never have to, I will surely be recommending Wolf Law as DUI representation to any of my friends and family in the future.

— Anonymous

Professional, Thorough and Successful

Jeff handled my case with expertise and professionalism. He examined my case quickly and accurately then presented me with sound options and advice going forward. Very satisfied with the almost immediate responses to phone calls and emails. Pleased with the outcome Jeff was able to provide in my case.

— Charlie G.

I Would Give Wolf Law 50 stars Out of 10 if I Could

I wanted to take a moment and give a MASSIVE THANK YOU to Wolf Law (and Colleen Kelley specifically)!

I had contacted Wolf Law recently regarding a previous offense and legal registration questions. This was for Sex Offender De-registration for the State of Colorado. After taking the time to review my case, my information, etc. etc, Wolf Law was able to take my case.

Considering the amount of time and effort involved to be removed, I am extremely grateful for Colleen Kelly/Wolf Law’s assistance in the matter.

After almost a decade, I was removed from the registry, and can now put a long chapter of my life behind me.

I would give Wolf Law 50 stars out of 10 if I could.

Again, THANK YOU Wolf Law for all your assistance and help in this matter!

I would very very very much recommend Wolf Law for your legal needs and/or situations. Please take a moment to contact them if you need to!

— Anonymous

Helped Me Through a Rough Time!

I became quite the habitual traffic offender with two speeding tickets and one ticket with two charges totaling 12 points. Jeff brought the 12-pointer down to a 3-pointer and a small fine, and saved my license with the two other tickets at bay. I had a lot of trauma at the time of the tickets, and he not once judged me. He is quick to respond to a call or email or text and walks you through each process. I am so glad I listened to earlier reviews because he made this process so much easier. I would definitely recommend him to anyone dealing with similar infractions and problems!

— Tiffany

Jeff Wolf

Jeff was very easy to work with and explained info in layman’s terms. As a side note, he gave my teenager some valuable advice on attitude as well!

— Mary Harmon

Amazing Lawyer

If you’re looking for an amazing lawyer I would highly recommend Jeff Wolf and Wolf Law in general Jeff helped me every step of the way, kept me well informed about what was going on with my case, and was very responsive to every question I had and is genuinely a good dude. I appreciated all of his help and the way he handled my case. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a good lawyer cause he’s definitely the way to go thank you again Jeff!

— Jordan B

Successful and Very Pleased

My name is Matt and I was ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years. I ended up registering for 15 because the courts make it near impossible to get off the list. I tried on my own more than once and the paperwork for one county alone is enough to discourage someone, let alone four counties. I felt hopeless.

I decided to call Wolf Law and get an estimate. I ended up meeting with Colleen Kelley and she was very helpful. Told me the price, which was very reasonable, and I paid to get started. She warned me that it can take up to a year to get a court date and she was right. For me it took nine months, but when the time came, she represented me well and I finally got off the registry.

Life is so much more comfortable now and less embarrassing. The S.O. title is one of the worst badges of shame one can wear and thanks to Colleen Kelley and Wolf Law I no longer carry that weight. I’m thrilled to feel like a normal guy again.

— Matt S.

Expert Help

I am glad that I was referred to Jeff. His capable counsel turned a really big mess into a straightforward procedure. All my contacts with the entire staff at Wolf Law were outstanding. Jeff was able to explain very complicated proceedings in a way that made sense and allowed me confidence that I was fully prepared. Jeff’s professionalism both inside and outside the courtroom was an immense help during a tough time. Legal troubles are very stressful, and it is important to have someone working for you with the experience and knowledge to be able to help. Jeff provided that and more: never feeling lost in the situation was an added benefit that was priceless. I would highly recommend the team at Wolf Law.

— John B.

Fantastic Law Firm – Take it From an Attorney

I have been an attorney for 18 years. I have seen Jeff Wolf in court handle a large variety of criminal defense and protection order matters with the highest degree of professionalism and effectiveness. Jeff is not only intelligent and incredibly timely and efficient, but also carries a wide scope of wisdom and experience; there is nothing he has not seen.

I know if I refer friends or clients to him, they will be in strong capable hands with an attorney who truly cares and is a great advisor. I have also seen Colleen Kelley in major felony hearings in court and she is a force to be reckoned with.

When I needed an attorney for my own legal situation, I retained Jeff and his firm. I witnessed first-hand how competent and reassuring Jeff and Collen are as attorneys and counselors, but from the perspective of a client. Superb attorneys, but also the best people. When I am unable to accept a criminal case, I often refer the potential client to the Wolf Law LLC.

— Anon, Esq.

Working with Mr. Wolf

I cannot speak high enough of Mr. Jeffrey Wolf! He was very pleasant to work with and explained each step of the journey from start to the final video teleconference with the judge. He negotiated a much lower sentence with the DA from DUI to DWAI. He reiterated several points that were then considered by the judge and taken into account in deciding my sentence. He was always prompt in any communications and worked tirelessly on my case to get a very favorable outcome for me. I would whole-heartedly recommend Mr. Wolf as you can be ensured it felt like I was an individual that truly mattered to him and his practice. From the very first phone call, I had nothing but respect for him and felt I was in good hands, that he then proved! You can’t go wrong with Mr. Jeffrey Wolf!

— - L

Trespassing Defense Lawyer in Denver, Colorado