In a pivotal ruling, the Virginia Supreme Court addressed the case of Commonwealth v. Kartozia, focusing on the critical issue of unauthorized access to private property. The court examined the circumstances surrounding Mr. Kartozia's presence at Turnberry Tower, where he remained for over 90 minutes in the early hours of the morning without prior notification to a resident.

The court highlighted that while a claim of right does not need to equate to ownership, it must demonstrate some level of authorization. In this instance, the evidence presented showed that Mr. Kartozia failed to follow established protocols for guest admission. Testimony revealed that guests must contact a resident to gain access, a procedure Mr. Kartozia did not adhere to during his visit.

Despite Mr. Kartozia's claims of varying experiences during previous visits, the court noted that he had consistently relied on his friend, Mr. Yang, for access. However, on this occasion, he did not reach out to Mr. Yang, raising questions about his intentions and the legitimacy of his presence at the property.

The court's decision underscores the importance of respecting property access protocols and the legal implications of unauthorized entry. As the case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the boundaries of personal rights in relation to private property and the necessity of following established procedures for entry.