How much time do you serve for stealing mail?

How much time do you serve for stealing mail?

Because the USPS is a government agency, mail theft is prosecuted as a federal crime. If you are found guilty of violating 18 U.S. Code § 1708, which covers theft or receipt of stolen mail, then you can be fined heavily and spend up to five years in a federal prison.

What is the penalty for stealing US mail?

Under United States Code 18 Section 1708, federal mail theft is a felony. If you are charged with mail theft, you could face up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000.

What kind of crime is stealing mail?

Mail theft as a federal crime In short, yes. The United States Postal Service is a federal agency. Because of that, the law categorizes mail theft as a federal offense. Even though it is a “light” crime, any federal offense may result in time in a federal prison.

What happens if you are caught stealing mail?

And mail theft is extremely serious. Because the post is handled by the federal government, mail theft cases can be heard in federal courts; stealing mail can get a person up to five years in jail. That means that first offenses are charged as petty theft, which comes with a fine of $1,000 and is a misdemeanor.

How do I file charges for mail theft?

Report suspected mail losses to Postal Inspectors by calling 877-876-2455 or at www.uspis.gov.

Is it a felony to go through someone’s mail?

Yes. It is a federal crime to open or destroy mail that is not intended for you. If you intentionally open or destroy someone else’s mail, you are committing obstruction of correspondence, which is a felony.

Can my wife open my mail?

Under the law, tampering with, hiding or opening mail addressed to someone else, even if to your spouse or ex-spouse, is a Federal crime. You may open mail addressed to your spouse or ex-spouse when: You are given explicit authority by your spouse or ex-spouse; or.

What is the punishment for a federal mail theft conviction?

What is the Punishment for a Federal Mail Theft Conviction? Under United States Code 18 Section 1708, federal mail theft is a felony. If you are charged with mail theft, you could face up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000. Call the Federal Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today

What happens if you steal mail from the post office?

Unfortunately, a small number of employees abuse the public’s trust by delaying or stealing the mail. It is the job of OIG special agents to identify dishonest employees and take proper investigative steps to have them prosecuted and removed from the Postal Service.

Can I be charged with a felony for stealing mail?

Yes, you could be charged with a felony. The United States Postal Service (USPS) moves billions of pieces of mail every year.

How long do you have to go to jail for theft?

20 years (first degree)15 years (second degree) 4.6 years. 8 Theft/Larceny. 10 years (less than $10,000) 1.3 years. 9. Battery/Assault. 25 years (first degree)10 years (second degree) 6.7 years.