{"data":{"id":"us-mt/45-6-206","jurisdiction":"us-mt","citation":"45-6-206","heading":"Unlawful squatting.","body":"(1) A person commits the offense of unlawful squatting when the person knowingly, without the consent of the owner, rightful occupant, or an authorized representative of the owner:\n(a) enters the premises of another; and\n(b) resides on the premises for any period of time.\n(2) A person convicted of unlawful squatting is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition to the penalties provided in 46-18-212, the person must be ordered to make restitution in an amount equal to the fair market value rent for the duration of the party's occupancy of the premises.\n(3) A person who knowingly presents a false document purporting to convey authorization to enter and remain on the premises commits the offense of forgery and is subject to the penalties provided in 45-6-325.\n(4) A person who commits the offense of unlawful squatting and intentionally damages the property commits the offense of criminal mischief and is subject to the penalties provided in 45-6-101.\n(5) Law enforcement may immediately remove a person who commits the offense of unlawful squatting from the premises. The provisions of 2-9-305 apply to indemnify law enforcement officers for actions arising under this subsection.","path":["TITLE 45. CRIMES","CHAPTER 6. OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY","Part 2. Criminal Trespass and Burglary"],"source_url":"https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0450/chapter_0060/part_0020/section_0060/0450-0060-0020-0060.html","current_through":"Montana Code Annotated 2025","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T04:55:32Z","sha256":"23e0b1a6ae65d468611372aacbd9cd6554133cd5b44801119b2f7fd4070c9944","source_id":"us-mt","stale":false,"prev":"us-mt/45-6-205","next":"us-mt/45-6-207"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}