A trespassing arrest can be made in a variety of circumstances: A landowner finds someone illegally hunting on his or her property; A protestor moves from the sidewalk onto private property; Someone won’t leave your home after you have told them to leave. Law enforcement officials recommend that property owners do not try to handle the situation themselves. Their recommendation is for the property owner to tell the offender to leave. If the person doesn’t leave, call the police or sheriff’s department. The property owner is not to try to use force—like shooting at the trespasser. The property owner could face charges unless he or she can prove that they felt their lives were in danger. In most states, trespassing is a misdemeanor. The penalty is usually a fine and community service. However, in some circumstances the charge can lead to jail time, particularly if the offender has a previous criminal record or had been warned several times to leave the property.