What does 'criminal trespass' refer to?

Criminal trespass refers to the act of remaining on property without permission from the owner or lawful occupant. This definition encompasses scenarios where an individual may have entered the property with permission but chooses to stay or refuses to leave when asked. In such cases, the individual has crossed the threshold into criminal activity by continuing to occupy the space without consent.

It's important to distinguish this concept from other actions, such as entering in order to commit a theft or having permission to be on the property initially. While entering someone's property without permission can also constitute trespass, the essence of criminal trespass often lies in the refusal to leave the property when permission has been revoked. Thus, understanding the nuances of permission and the rights of property owners is critical in identifying and applying the term "criminal trespass."