Can I be arrested for criminal trespassing at a church where a funeral is held?

Question

I am trying to go to funeral of a dear friend I took care of. No family, but executors of his estate and I have never gotten along. They say they have a restraining order. Thought I had to be served with that. They said I will be asked to leave if I refuse they will have me arrested for criminal trespassing. I would think the pastor would have to give me this notice, not someone who just doesn't like me. All I want to do is sit in the back. Do you think a police escort would be appropriate?

Answer 1

Yes you can. The police will not escort you there, however they will be happy to escort you away.

Answer 2

Since most churches are considered public buildings, the only person who ask you to leave are the police. They can do this only if you are causing a disturbance. The thing about the restraining order is that you have to be served or given noticed by someone from the local court.  

Answer 3

yes, especially if they do have a restraining order. wait till after to pay your respects. I am sure the deceased will understand.

Answer 4

They don't have a restraining order or yes you would have been notified. However; if the family doesn't want you there then they can tell the police to escort you out and they will make you leave. I know thats not right but the police have to respect the family's wishes. I would just refrain from going if I were you.  

Answer 5

I can tell you this for sure. The Pastor will not kick you out of the Church.

As for the executors, even the Police will ask them for the Restraining Order. One can't profess to have something without showing proof.

But this is what I would do if I were you. I'd find the Pastor and ask him for permission to be in his Church though no permission is really needed to be in Church.  Then sit in the back if you choose and when approached by the executors tell them you have the Pastors permission to be in his Church. I doubt the Police would ask you to leave unless there is proff of the restraining order.

Church is a public place.

Answer 6

i agree with the second poster..  if you go to the church it would create a scene and be disrespectful to your friend..  At a time like this it doesn't matter if they are at fault or you..  just let the ceremony go on without you and then you can go to the cemetery alone and pay yuour respects...  maybe go to another church while the funeral is going on and light a candle and say a prayer..  that will be more meaningful then getting into an altertcation at the church they will be

Answer 7

They don't have a restraining order, because if they did, you would have been served with the order.

As far as attending the funeral, I'd just go. If they want to start arguing at the funeral, let them be the ones to end up looking foolish. Don't shout back, don't show any anger. Smile at them, and say pleasantly, "Let's discuss this after the service. For now, I'm here to say goodbye to a dear friend." It will make them look silly in front of the other guests if they persist.

Good luck.

-Stuart