Urban Exploring in Connecticut: When Photography Turns Into a Criminal Charge

Is Urban Exploring Illegal in Connecticut?

Urban exploring — sometimes called “urbex” — is a hobby that’s grown in popularity over the last decade. People are fascinated by abandoned factories, forgotten hospitals, and old schools. For many, it’s about art, history, and photography. They’re not criminals — they’re adventurers with cameras, curiosity, and a love of capturing places most people never see.

The problem is that Connecticut law doesn’t make much room for curiosity. In other states, the rules may be looser, or police may turn a blind eye. But here, stepping into an abandoned building without permission is still treated as trespassing, and in some cases, it can escalate into felony burglary charges.

Many urban explorers who travel to Connecticut don’t realize how strict these laws are until it’s too late. What feels like an innocent hobby can land you in handcuffs, facing serious consequences.

Why Urban Exploring Leads to Arrests

From the perspective of the police, entering an abandoned building is still trespassing on private property. Even if the doors are unlocked or the building looks deserted, the property usually has an owner (a private individual, a corporation, or a municipality).

Common reasons people get arrested while urban exploring in Connecticut include:

Trespassing after dark — nighttime entry looks more suspicious.
Breaking in — climbing through a broken window or forcing a door can elevate the charge to burglary.
Posting photos online — police and owners monitor Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.
Being caught with tools — even a flashlight, screwdriver, or crowbar can be used as evidence of burglary intent.

The Law in Connecticut

Criminal Trespass (C.G.S. §§ 53a-107 to 53a-109)

First Degree (§ 53a-107): Entering school grounds, posted property, or ignoring a personal warning not to enter is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail).
Second Degree (§ 53a-108): Knowingly entering a building without permission is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months).
Third Degree (§ 53a-109): Simple unlawful entry onto land is a Class C misdemeanor.

Burglary (C.G.S. §§ 53a-101 to 53a-103a)

Burglary requires unlawful entry with the intent to commit a crime inside.

Third Degree (§ 53a-103): Class D felony, up to 5 years.
Second Degree (§ 53a-102): More serious — involves a dwelling or weapon. Class C felony, 1–10 years.
First Degree (§ 53a-101): Class B felony, 1–20 years.

Possession of Burglar’s Tools (§ 53a-106)

Possessing tools “adapted, designed, or commonly used” for unlawful entry, with intent to use them, is a Class A misdemeanor.

Weapon in a Motor Vehicle (§ 29-38)

Having certain weapons in your car, even without using them, is a Class D felony.

A Real-World Example

Imagine a group of friends enters an abandoned hospital in Fairfield County late at night. They don’t break anything; they just want photos. Police arrive after a neighbor calls.

At minimum, they could be charged with criminal trespass 1st degree (§ 53a-107).
If one person has a crowbar “just in case,” that could bring a burglary tool charge (§ 53a-106).
If prosecutors argue intent to steal scrap metal or equipment, charges could escalate to burglary 3rd degree (§ 53a-103), a felony.

What started as a hobby photo shoot can quickly become a criminal case with life-changing consequences.

Defenses to Urban Exploration Charges

Possible defenses include:

Lack of intent: Burglary requires intent to commit a crime inside. Photography alone is not a crime.
Permission: If the property owner allowed entry, trespass charges fail.
No tools or forced entry: Carrying only a camera makes burglary allegations weaker.
Diversionary programs: First-time offenders may be eligible for Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR), which can result in dismissal after completing probation.

Practical Advice

Don’t assume “abandoned” means public. Almost every building in Connecticut has an owner.
Avoid schools, hospitals, and government property — trespassing here is automatically 1st-degree trespass.
Don’t explain yourself to the police. Statements like “I was just taking photos” can be twisted into intent.
Call a lawyer immediately. A defense attorney can often negotiate dismissal or entry into AR.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is urban exploring always illegal in Connecticut?
Not always. If the property owner gives permission, it’s legal. Without permission, even entering a seemingly abandoned building can be charged as trespass under § 53a-109.

2. Can I get arrested even if I don’t break anything?
Yes. Simply entering without permission is enough for a trespass charge under § 53a-108. Damage or forced entry is not required for an arrest.

3. What if the building looks abandoned?
It doesn’t matter if it appears deserted — the law presumes ownership. Saying “I thought it was abandoned” is not a valid defense in Connecticut.

4. What if I only had a camera, not burglary tools?
You can still face trespass charges just for being inside without permission. However, without tools or evidence of forced entry, it’s harder for prosecutors to elevate the case to burglary.

5. Can I get jail time for urban exploring?
It’s possible, especially if charged with 1st-degree trespass or burglary. However, many first-time offenders qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) program, which can lead to dismissal.

6. Can juveniles be charged for urban exploring?
Yes. Juveniles can face trespass or even burglary charges, though their cases are handled in juvenile court. Penalties may include probation, counseling, or diversionary programs.

7. What if the police find my photos online?
Police and property owners monitor social media, and your photos can be used as evidence. This has been used successfully in Connecticut to bring charges against urban explorers.

8. Can I clear this off my record later?
Yes. Completing AR can result in dismissal, which clears the case from your record. Without AR, your only option may be applying for a pardon later.

9. What’s the difference between trespass and burglary?
Trespass (§§ 53a-107–109) is simply entering without permission. Burglary (§§ 53a-101–103) requires both unlawful entry and intent to commit another crime inside.

10. Do I need a lawyer if I’m only charged with trespass?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor trespass can create a permanent record if not handled properly. A lawyer can often negotiate dismissal or help you qualify for AR to protect your future.

Take Action Now to Protect Your Future!

Urban exploration may seem like an innocent hobby, but in Connecticut, the law treats it very differently. What starts as photography can spiral into trespass, burglary, or possession of burglar’s tools charges.

If you or someone you love has been arrested for trespassing, burglary, or any other similar offense, don’t take chances. Hire an experienced Connecticut criminal defense lawyer on your side immediately.

📞 Call me, Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, at (203) 357-5555 for a free consultation, or contact me online today.