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.

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Colleen is wonderful!

Colleen was so helpful and it was comforting to have her knowledge and experience working on our emergency. She took a process we had no experience with and made us feel secure and empowered. She did so much for us, and I can’t thank her enough or recommend her more highly!

— James Sehota

Great experience – very satisfied

I could not be more pleased with the service I received from Jeff for my legal matter! It was apparent when first speaking with him that he is knowledgeable about the system and has experience with complex situations, and that he also the care and concern for his clients’ matters. He maintained constant, clear communication throughout the process about what was needed to be done to prepare for the court case, and was quick to respond to any questions. Jeff had the confidence that it would be possible to achieve or come close to achieving my desired outcome, and he in turn made me confident about my case, too. When people around me were asking if I was stressed or nervous about my court date, I was telling them that I was actually feeling pretty at ease having Jeff there to advocate for me. He handled the case very smoothly and professionally, spoke strongly yet eloquently for my case, and we ended up achieving the best possible outcome, which I am very happy about. Thank you so much to Jeff as well as his staff for being prompt, professional and easy to work with!!

— Radhika Kalra

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Mr. Wolf was able to completely quash my 30 year old warrant and have the case fully dismissed within 3 weeks. He has taken such a burden off my shoulders where I can start to live my life like a free woman instead of a woman running from the law that I took care of 30 years ago but the paperwork somehow didn’t get into the correct hands. He truly is a very kind man who takes your case and gets it done fast. Thank you Mr. Wolf, you changed not only my life but my entire family’s lives

— Darin

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Jeff provided excellent legal advice and guided my situation to a very desirable outcome. He was in frequent contact via phone and email throughout the process, answered all of the questions that I had, and gave me the ability to confidently choose the best outcome for my circumstances. Legal issues are scary, complicated, and stressful but Jeff reduces all those negatives and makes you feel like someone has your back. Would highly recommend his services if you ever find yourself in need of criminal defense.

— Max I.

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Colorado Law had recently passed a law, that would help me in the messy situation I was in. I knew immediately I had to find a lawyer to discuss the situation and the circumstances surrounding the process, and eligibility requirements for my specific case. I have to admit, I was very nervous reaching out to any lawyers who could help me.

So I did my research to the best of my ability, and having questions to ask to confirm I was making the right choice in a lawyer. A friend of mine who had previously worked with Mr. Wolf, had strongly recommended that I contact him. I am very grateful that I had! He was very respectful, and had a obvious passion to help me, asking specific questions surrounding my situation so that we can both deal with the issue at hand. Talking me through the processes and possible outcomes, straight forward. No sugar coating, which is nice because I value honesty.

Throughout the whole process, I was comfortable, and very trusting, as questions were answered accurately and after I tried contacting him with new questions or comments, he would return my call or email within 24 Hours! That showed me that he cared and was on top of his workload.

Nonetheless, the outcome of my case worked really well for me, and was a success. And for that, I want to show my gratitude.

Thank You Mr. Wolf for being on my side! I strongly recommend to anyone looking for a well competent lawyer, to contact Jeffrey Wolf at Wolf Law!

— Erwin H.

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I hired Jeff Wolf to represent me for a DUI and accident involving damages. While I knew I was 100 percent in the wrong, Jeff never once made me feel like a terrible person for making a mistake. He quickly responded to emails and always called me back quickly when I had questions (I had a lot of questions). I’ve never been in trouble with the law before, and Jeff was patient in explaining everything thoroughly to me throughout the entire process, and was also able to get my sentence reduced. I recommend him to anyone going through a similar situation.

— Emily

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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!

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We found ourselves in an unimaginable situation with criminal charges pressed against my husband relating to a firearm. We were both petrified. Especially with the gun climate we find ourselves in. Neither of us had ever been in trouble with the law and after a terrible accident, we found just that. Ms. Kelly is extremely professional and knowledgeable of the legal system. She took the time to explain everything to us and prepare us for what would follow.

We are happy with the outcome of the case and would highly recommend Ms. Kelly to anyone who may find themselves in our situation.

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I hired Jeff Wolf to represent me in a DUI case where I was charged, but was not the one that was driving the vehicle. From the very beginning I felt that I was in good hands because he made me secure in the fact I was innocent and that, though I was drunk, I did not do anything against the law. Every time I emailed him, I received a response immediately. I felt that he knew the system well, and how to handle this “game” of law. When he had to deal with a health emergency, he made me aware of my options and what he thought would be my best choice, which was being represented for court by another attorney that knew my case inside and out. He just called me this past Monday to let me know my case was dismissed! I would recommend Jeff Wolf to anyone being charged with anything in Colorado. He knows the laws of Colorado and will keep it real with the possible outcomes of your case.

— Stephanie

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I was worried about looking for a lawyer because I have never done so before, but Jeff Wolf made it super easy for me and I couldn’t have been more happy with his services. He called me anytime something happened with my case or needed anything from me. He got me out of a 10 day jail sentence which really helped me since I started school this week. Honestly it was nothing but a professional and honest experience.

— Robert A.

Trespassing Defense Lawyer in Denver, Colorado