Invited guest at apt. complex arrested for criminal trespass? Defense?

[baigh75]

I invited a buddy over to my apt complex the other night and after drinking a bit (we're both 21) I pass out on the couch. My friend then left the apt. to go to the pool. Although it was after hours and the "guest" wasn't accompanied by a resident (me), this is not where he arrested. As my buddy starts walking back to my building, cutting through the parking lot, a cop pulls up and arrests him for criminal trespassing. Unfortunately, the conversation between my friend and the officer is a blur because he had been drinking. He's "pretty sure" he told the officer that he was staying at a friends place. The next morning, I get a phone call from the county jail and he tells me he was charged with criminal trespassing. There were no other charges (ie. public intoxication or anything alcohol related) against him.

When I spoke with the property manager the next day, she was unaware of the situation. Thus, he was wasn't an "unwanted" guest.

Is this right? Everything I've read up on says that police can arrest any trespassers the property manager wishes. But she knew nothing about it. I can completely understand if alcohol was a factor in the arrest, but wouldn't he be charged for public intoxication? I can't see how this is just if he was charged solely with trespassing. The officer didn't see him at the pool, It was far down in the parking lot. It just doesn't make sense to me.

Lastly, does the apt complex have any authority to drop the charges or help his case in any way? The ony thing mentioned in lease that was remotely related was "we may exclude guests or others ho have been violating the law......or disturbing others.....". But again, the property manager had that right. Can police do this without consent of the apt complex/owner?