Atlanta Trespass Attorney
Experienced Trespass Defense For Atlanta Residents
Working With An Atlanta Trespass Lawyer
If you have been charged with trespass in Atlanta, the situation may feel minor on the surface. It is not. A trespass charge in Georgia can lead to real consequences, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record that follows you long after the case is closed. What looks like a small legal problem can grow fast without the right help.
Trespass charges arise in many situations. Maybe you were asked to leave a property and did not move fast enough. Maybe you returned to a place after a prior warning. Maybe the property lines were unclear, or the notice was never properly given. The circumstances vary, but the charge is taken seriously by Georgia prosecutors regardless.
At Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, we know how disorienting it feels to face criminal charges. You may not be sure what the charge even means. You may not know your rights. That uncertainty is stressful, and it can push people into making decisions that hurt their case, like talking to police without an attorney present or assuming the charge will just go away. The facts matter, and so does how quickly you act.
What A Trespass Charge In Atlanta Really Means For You
A misdemeanor conviction can create a criminal record that may affect job interviews, housing applications, and background checks for years.
The stakes get higher fast. If prosecutors push for a felony charge based on your prior record, the property type, or how the incident unfolded, you could face jail time, heavy fines, and long-term damage to your future. Many people wait too long to get help, thinking the charge will resolve itself. It won’t.
Without an experienced Atlanta trespass attorney in your corner, you risk accepting a plea deal that hurts you more than it helps. You may not even know your full options until it is too late to use them.
At Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, we look closely at how the charge was filed and why. We review the facts of your case, where you were, what was said, and what evidence exists. The questions that often decide a trespass case are:
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Was proper notice given?
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Was the property clearly marked?
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Did police follow the right steps?
Our approach covers every angle. We handle trespass charges alongside related matters like theft and drug crimes, which sometimes arise from the same incident. You get a clear picture of where you stand and a defense built around your specific facts.
Why Atlanta Trespass Defendants Trust Farnsworth & Murphy
When you’re facing a trespass charge in Atlanta, you need more than a generic defense. You need attorneys who know Georgia criminal law, know the local courts, and treat your case as a priority. Here’s why clients across metro Atlanta turn to Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC.
Over 30 Years of Criminal Defense in Georgia
Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC has defended clients since 1992. That is more than three decades of learning Georgia courts, its prosecutors, and its procedures. Our firm handles both misdemeanor and trespass charges across Fulton County, Cobb County, and the broader metro Atlanta area.
Our Attorneys
Daniel Farnsworth has been practicing criminal defense since 2005. Before joining the firm, he spent three years as a DUI and misdemeanor prosecutor at the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office. That background gives him a direct view of how the state builds its cases and where to find the weak points.
Michael Murphy is a graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College and spent years as a senior associate at one of Georgia’s largest criminal defense firms before joining Farnsworth & Murphy. He has handled everything from serious felonies to minor traffic offenses in courtrooms across the state.
Awards and Industry Recognition
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Super Lawyers
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Super Lawyers Rising Star
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Rising Star, Atlanta Magazine
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Legal Elite, Georgia Trend Magazine
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AVVO Client Choice Award
We Focus on Criminal Defense
Some firms treat criminal cases as a side practice. At Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, it is the core of our work. From trespass and DUI to drug charges and serious felonies, our attorneys handle criminal defense cases every single day. That focus sharpens every strategy we build and shows in how we handle every case we take on.
Free Consultations for Every New Client
A trespass charge can feel minor until you see what is at stake. Every new client gets a free consultation so you can get a clear picture before you commit to anything. We tell you what the charge means, what the likely process looks like, and what your options are. No pressure, no vague answers.
Learn more about Daniel Farnsworth and Michael Murphy on the Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC About Us page.
What To Expect When Facing A Trespass Charge In Georgia
A trespass charge in Georgia moves through a clear set of stages. Knowing what comes next can help you feel less lost and make better choices along the way.
Stage 1: Arrest and First Appearance
After an arrest in Atlanta, you are taken to the Fulton County Jail for booking. Georgia law generally requires a first appearance within 72 hours after an arrest under a warrant and within 48 hours after a warrantless arrest. A judge reviews the charges and sets bail. You should not answer questions without a lawyer present.
Stage 2: Review of the Evidence
After your first appearance, the focus shifts to the evidence. This includes police reports, written notices, witness statements, and any security footage. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-7-21, a trespass charge often hinges on whether you received prior notice to stay off the property. Reviewing the evidence early helps spot weaknesses in the state’s case right away.
Stage 3: Building a Defense Strategy
Once the evidence is clear, a defense plan takes shape. Common defense angles include lack of notice, disputed property lines, or permission from someone who had the right to grant it. Your attorney lays out the options in plain terms so you can make informed choices.
Stage 4: Court Appearances and Negotiations
Most trespass cases in Atlanta are handled in Fulton County State Court or Atlanta Municipal Court, depending on the charge. Misdemeanor trespass charges are common and may be resolved through plea negotiations before trial. Your attorney handles all court appearances, speaks on your behalf, and works toward the best possible outcome, whether that means a reduced charge, a diversion program, or a dismissal.
Stage 5: Resolution
Every case ends differently. Some resolve quickly through negotiation. Others take weeks or months, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the facts. If a trespass case involves additional conduct, such as carrying a weapon or causing significant property damage, separate felony charges may also apply, requiring a more detailed defense. Throughout the process, you stay informed at every turn.
When To Speak With An Atlanta Trespass Attorney
A trespass charge in Georgia can move fast. The sooner you get legal help, the more time there is to review your case and build a solid defense.
At Farnsworth & Murphy, LLC, we give every client in Atlanta and across Fulton County a clear, honest look at their situation. No pressure, no empty promises. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand your options from day one.
If you are ready to take the next step, a free consultation is available.
Questions About Trespass Charges In Atlanta
1. Can a trespass charge affect my gun rights in Georgia?
A misdemeanor trespass conviction does not typically strip your gun rights under Georgia law. A felony conviction is a different matter and can bar you from owning or carrying a firearm.
2. How long does a trespass charge stay on my record in Georgia?
Georgia does not offer automatic expungement, but some first-time misdemeanor charges may qualify for record restriction. An attorney can review your case to see if you meet the criteria.
3. What if the property owner never posted No Trespassing signs?
The lack of posted signs may support your defense, because notice is an important issue in some trespass cases. Your attorney can argue that you had no clear warning to stay off the property.
4. Can additional charges be filed alongside a trespass charge?
Yes. If prosecutors link the trespass to another offense such as theft or a drug crime, the charges can escalate fast. Getting legal help early gives you a better chance to keep charges from growing.
5. What if the trespass involved a domestic dispute or a shared property?
Shared ownership or a prior relationship with the property owner can complicate the charge. Georgia courts look at lease terms, legal access rights, and the history between both parties when deciding how to proceed.
Free Initial Consultation
Call Farnsworth & Murphy LLC at 470-601-7056 or fill out our easy-to-use online form to get in touch and schedule a free initial consultation.
