On Dec 23, 6:03*pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
Percival P. Cassidy wrote:

Of course trespass is a civil matter, but forced entry is not. How did
the intruders get in? If they did not have to break in to gain access,
no crime was committed and it's a civil matter.

In MY state, there is the offense of "criminal trespass."

*Texas Penal Code - 30.05. CRIMINAL TRESPASS.
(a) A person commits an offense if he enters or remains on or in property,
including an aircraft or other vehicle, of another without effective consent
or he enters or remains in a building of another without effective consent
and he:
* * * * * * * * * *(1) *had notice that the entry was forbidden; *or
* * * * * * * * * *(2) *received notice to depart but failed to do so.
* * * * (b) *For purposes of this section:
* * * * * * * * * *(1) *"Entry" means the intrusion of the entire body.
* * * * * * * * * *(2) *"Notice" means:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * (A) *oral or written communication by the owner or someone with
apparent authority to act for the owner;
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * (B) *fencing or other enclosure obviously designed to exclude
intruders or to contain livestock;
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * (C) *a sign or signs posted on the property or at the entrance to
the building, reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders,
indicating that entry is forbidden;

Criminal Trespass is a Class B misdemeanor - a fine of up to $2,000 and 180
days in jail.

We could do witha law like that over here.