What are my rights about someone entering my back yard by jumping the fence with out permission?

The people claim to be sub-contracting with SBC. They say they are with Hal-Tec Utility. My gate was locked and I did not answer my door when they knocked. Then I heard the neighbors dog barking and looked in my back yard to see they had jumped the fence and were scanning the yard near the telephone box. My friend says SBC does not sub-contract any more. What are my rights?

To the extent that the person was telling you the truth about his identity and his purpose for being there, more than likely, your property is subject to a public easement (right of way) through your property for the purpose of maintaining a public utility. You have a right to inspect the person's work identification and any work order that permits him to enter your property without your express authority. You may even have the right to keep him from doing so until you can verify his identity with SBC and/or his own employer. Still, once verified, you will probably have to allow him onto your property (IMPORTANT WORDS COMING:) only for the purpose for which the easement was created--the maintenance of a public utility. For example, he cannot use the easement to help himself to a drink of water from your spigot, play with your dog, or to recover his hat that has blown over your fence and onto your property. If he tries to use it for another purpose, you should call the police and have him escorted off.

DO NOT SHOOT HIM OR ANYONE ELSE. This is foolish and dangerous advice from someone who has grossly misinterpreted the laws governing protection of property. Talk to your own attorney before you make any such policy decisions.

shoot them its your property call the cops but make sure you shoot them first

Depends on if you get a liberal or conservative judge. If you get a conservative judge, you have no problem. If someone breaks in to murder you, but break their leg, and they sue you, a liberal judge will award them millions because your house was unsafe for them to break in.

It's only ok if they are stealing your oil.

u must break his legs,so that he may not do or not able 2 do it again!!

call sbc and see if they were really with the company. if they were complain that you didn't want them to come. if they weren't then if they come again you can probly have them arrested.

Report the matter to the police and let them deal with the situation or complain to SBC. For all we know, SBC might have an easment on your property that gives them or their designated agency to enter your property to service a utility line. Utility easements over private property are very common.

If you can't get any response from the police or SBC, consult an attorney who specializes in property law.

First, don't shoot. Whoever these so-called individuals are who are claiming to be SBC, ask them for their credentials. If they fail to show proof, you can either politely ask them to get out or call the cops. If all else fails, call a property lawyer (like the previous poster mentioned).