Pokemon Go – Searching Has Limits!

August 25th, 2016 by JBWK

Submitted by Richard B. Donaldson, Jr.

The wildly popular Pokemon Go game is creating opportunities for gamers to run afoul of trespassing laws.  Instances of game players entering private property in search of the next Pokemon capture are increasing.  While the object of the game is to have fun and get players outside in search of their next Pokemon capture, it should not be seen as a license to go where one is not welcome or permitted.  Virginia’s trespassing laws prevent entering onto property where permission to do so has been denied or limited by the landowner, either orally or in writing by posting.  Virginia Code § 18.2-119 provides that a trespassing conviction is a class 1 misdemeanor which can result in a fine, jail time or both.  Bottom line – use common sense when playing Pokemon Go, have fun but do not enter upon property without permission.  The last thing a player wants to hear is a police officer saying to them “Gotcha!”.

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