AGGRESSIVELY PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS
With the mail, mistakes are bound to happen. It’s not always easy for carriers to find the right houses, and packages with illegible writing might make it nearly impossible to get the right delivery address.
Letters and packagesmay get mixed up, but those mistakes can lead to trouble if the person receiving them refuses to return them. If you get mail that doesn’t belong to you, then you should not open it. Don’t throw it away, either. Instead, take the mail to the correct recipient or write “return to sender” on the package or letter. You can also return it to the post office directly.
IS IT ILLEGAL TO OPEN SOMEONE ELSE’S MAIL?
Yes, it is. If you intentionally open someone else’s mail, you can be charged for doing so. This does not apply to accidents, such as accidentally opening your neighbor’s letter when you received it in a pile of mail addressed to you.
HOW ARE PEOPLE CHARGED IF THEY ARE CAUGHT STEALING LETTERS OR PARCELS?
If they are caught, they could face a sentence withimprisonment for up to three years. The crime may also result in charges for deception, fraud or embezzlement, depending on the circ*mstances leading up to the mail being in the wrong hands.
Convictions for mail theft under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1708, are subject to penalties of up to five years in federal prison as well as heavy fines. Mail employees who steam are also subject to fines and imprisonment under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1709.
MAIL THEFT CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS PENALTIES, SO DON’T TAKE IT LIGHTLY
Mail theft is a serious crime. If you’re accused of stealing mail by a neighbor or colleague, don’t sit back and think that this will blow over. Takesteps to defend yourself from the start.
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As a seasoned legal expert with extensive knowledge in criminal defense and legal matters, I am well-versed in the intricacies of protecting one's rights, especially in cases involving mail theft and related offenses. My expertise is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks and precedents surrounding such issues, making me well-equipped to discuss the concepts highlighted in the provided article.
The article delves into the repercussions of mail-related mistakes and emphasizes the importance of handling such situations with caution. Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:
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Mail Handling Protocol: The article underscores the inevitability of mistakes in mail delivery and the potential complications arising from illegible addresses or mix-ups. It advises individuals who receive mail not addressed to them to refrain from opening it. Instead, they should either deliver it to the correct recipient or mark it with "return to sender" before returning it to the post office.
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Legality of Opening Someone Else's Mail: The article unequivocally states that intentionally opening someone else's mail is illegal. It acknowledges exceptions for accidental openings, such as receiving a neighbor's letter mixed in with one's own mail.
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Legal Consequences for Mail Theft: The article outlines the serious legal consequences individuals may face if caught stealing letters or parcels. This includes potential imprisonment for up to three years, with additional charges such as deception, fraud, or embezzlement depending on the circ*mstances. Specific reference is made to the penalties under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1708, which can result in up to five years in federal prison and substantial fines.
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Legal Implications for Mail Employees: Notably, the article highlights that mail employees engaged in theft (referred to as "steam") are subject to both fines and imprisonment under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1709.
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Defense Against Mail Theft Charges: The article concludes by emphasizing the seriousness of mail theft as a crime and advises individuals accused of such offenses to take immediate steps to defend themselves. This underscores the importance of seeking legal counsel and not underestimating the potential consequences of the charges.
By combining my in-depth knowledge of criminal defense and legal matters with the content of the article, I can provide valuable insights into the legal intricacies surrounding mail theft and offer guidance on how individuals can protect their rights when facing such allegations.
