NC offroading penalties?

I know this is a touchy subject, so do note, this is NOT a thread for discussing illegal offroading! Just looking for some answers, preferably factual:

I have been offroading a few times on completely legal offroad trails that have turned into trails that were questionable, or definitely not (but didn't know until not able to turn around)

That being said, strictly from a penalty perspective, what would be the consequences (namely in NC) if you were caught offroading (whether you could or couldn't deny knowledge, lets assume it was posted), for you and your passengers? Could you be arrested on the spot? Could your passengers be charged?

Wanting to know in the event that I ever end up somewhere accidentally.

 

I apologize, I wish I could help... But I've sort of been wondering this myself. I live in the western part of the state, so there's plenty of places but I don't want to go about it the wrong way.

 

Would love to know also.. I see lots of places that look great to ride in WNC just not sure of the legal status.

 

Largely depends on jurisdiction, city, county, state or federal lands.

Most city/counties may write a ticket, but could impound your vehicle. You are technically "under arrest" once the ticket has been issued. Whether you're hauled to jail is largely dependent on the crime you're being charged with and probably your attitude dealing with the officer on hand.

State and Federal land, you're most probably gonna get a ticket, possibly impounded or even confescation of your vehicle. federal ticket last I heard you get to go to Ashville to appear for that.

Ending up somewhere "accidentally" is a lame excuse, if you are not or do not know the property owner, have written permission or have a documented pass allowing you to be there, you're trespassing. After that the lawyers get to feed off of you.

Law enforcement agencies deal with this regularly, you're not gonna BS your way around it too much