Trespass
La. R.S. 14:63 — entering or staying on property owned by another without authorization, including a squatter told to leave
No one may enter any structure, watercraft, movable or land owned by another without express, legal or implied authorization, or remain there without it. Remaining includes an occupant still there more than 5 days after being served with a written notice to vacate, and a squatter who has been directed to leave.
| Offense | Fine | Jail |
|---|---|---|
| OffenseFirst | Fine$100 to $500 | JailUp to 30 days |
| OffenseSecond | Fine$300 to $750 | JailUp to 90 days |
| OffenseThird and later | Fine$500 to $1,000 | Jail60 days to 6 months |
- A sign, or purple paint marks on trees or posts, may warn people off, though the law does not require either.
- A paint mark is a vertical line at least 8 inches long and an inch wide, with its bottom 3 to 5 feet from the ground.
- Delivery people, solicitors, pollsters and candidates may come onto land to do their business unless the owner forbids it.
- No child 10 years old or younger may be arrested for trespass.
Going onto or staying on any property, public buildings included, after being forbidden orally, in writing or by a sign is its own misdemeanor, of not more than $500, up to 6 months in the parish jail, or both.
Sources for this section (2)
- La. R.S. 14:63 — Criminal trespass; squatters
- La. R.S. 14:63.3 — Entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Louisiana attorney.