Is Mail Theft a Federal Offense?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) moves billions of pieces of mail every year. While some pieces of mail may consist of advertisements, coupons or personal letters, the Postal Service also ships valuable items including credit cards, debit cards, personal checks, prescription medication and expensive merchandise.
If you steal mail, you could be facing serious punishment under US Code Section 1708. Because the USPS is a federal agency, mail theft is charged as a federal offense. Conviction of any federal crime, even mail theft, can result in significant federal prison time and fines. In addition to federal charges, you may also face charges under California’s mail theft laws.
If you or a loved one is facing a charge of federal mail theft, it is important to retain an experienced Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney who will fight for you.
Theft or Receipt of Stolen Mail Matter Generally (United States Code 18 Section 1708)
Under US Code 18 Section 1708, mail theft is defined as taking any piece of mail that is not your own for any purpose. A piece of mail can be any letter, postal card, package, box or bag. Mail theft can result from stealing from private mailboxes, collection boxes, postal workers or mail trucks.
Depending on how mail theft is committed, you could also face other chages for committing mail theft, including assault and breaking and entering. If personal identifying information was stolen and used, you can also face charges of identity theft. Personal identifying information includes:
- Names
- Dates of birth
- Addresses
- Telephone numbers
- Tax I.D. numbers
- Social security numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Passport information
- School I.D. numbers
- Employee I.D. numbers
- Bank account information
- Credit card account information
- Birth/death certificate information
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
If you or a loved one is facing a federal mail theft charge, it is critical that you speak to an experienced federal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 40 years of experience successfully defending our clients charged with federal crimes. Our attorneys will fight for your legal rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
With offices in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Tustin, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich federal attorney near you no matter where you work or live.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will get through this together.
