June 23, 2014 By Paul Wallin

Is Mail Theft a Federal Offense?

mail theft a federal offense
Is mail theft a federal offense? Yes, you could be charged with a felony.

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

Los Angeles federal defense attorneys
Call our experienced federal defense attorneys 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.

Paul Wallin

AUTHOR: Paul Wallin

Paul Wallin is one of the most highly respected attorneys in Southern California. His vast experience, zealous advocacy for his clients and extensive knowledge of many areas of the law make Mr. Wallin a premiere Southern California attorney. Mr. Wallin founded Wallin & Klarich in 1981. As the senior partner of Wallin & Klarich, Mr. Wallin has been successfully representing clients for more than 30 years. Clients come to him for help in matters involving assault and battery, drug crimes, juvenile crimes, theft, manslaughter, sex offenses, murder, violent crimes, misdemeanors and felonies. Mr. Wallin also helps clients with family law matters such as divorce and child custody.

16 comments

  1. Please call us at (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation so we can begin to help you.

  2. Hi Shakeena,

    You should contact the police if you believe someone is stealing your mail. They will be able to tell you how to proceed.

    Best of luck!

  3. If I know a neighbor stole my mail, but I’m not sure which (of 2) did it, can I still report it to the police, or do I need to figure out which neighbor did it, first?

  4. Hi Christine,

    If you suspect someone is stealing from you, you should contact the police immediately.

    Best of luck

  5. I took my mail addressed to my address from a postal worker but they said I stole it because they didn’t scan it. Or get a signature, they claim that it is in their possession until they scan it out and that I have committed a felony by stealing my own mail from their possession. I had to take time off work to go and sort this out including digging through my trash for the package so they I could return it. I am wondering for the future what are the legalities concerning this?

  6. Hi Daniel,

    Do you think they are filing charges against you for this? If so, the best thing you can do right now is speak to an attorney. Do not speak to authorities unless you have first spoken to an experienced lawyer. Contact us today at (877) 466-5245 so we can begin to help you.

    We look forward to your call.

  7. I was living with a couple up until a month ago n I decided to move out because we weren’t getting along. I am being given a hard time picking up my personal property which they won’t give me n keep giving me the run around esp when it comes to my mail. I was told by several mutual friends that this couple have been opening all my mail and they’ve been reading it n gathering all my personal information. WHaT should I do? What are my rights?

  8. Hi Alma,

    If you have a problem where people are opening your mail, you should contact the police.

    Best of luck.

  9. I was a witness of someone stealing mail in my neighborhood and I just wanna know how long they will be on probation for because they saw where I live when they were chasing me into my house.

  10. Hi Jacklyn,

    If someone is harassing or threatening, you should call the police immediately.

    Best of luck!

  11. My their is my own mother. She is 92, I am 62. I live in her home, she feels that all my mail is for her perusal. Do I have any rights at all?

  12. Hi Helen,

    If someone is taking and opening your mail, you should contact the police.

    Best of luck!

  13. My mother in law that I use to live with for a year. My mail has been sent their for that year and I moved and changed my address in the beginning of Nov and just here recently my public defender sent a DVD in mail in my name for a charge that i am Currently going to court over now it is a video from the cops body cam and only an attorney on the case can get this evidence bc it’s not public records. It got sent to her address she opened it and made copies of the DVD and distributed them out to ppl to show evidence in trying to help her case with trying to take full legal custody of My 2 month old son she sent a copy to the gal and tried to present a copy in front of the judge and it was objected and she was asked how she got that and she said a friend what can i do to prosecute her in this illegal matter

  14. Hi Leila,

    You should contact the police about this issue. You should also consider hiring a private criminal defense law firm to handle your pending legal matter so mistakes like sending evidence to the wrong address are no longer made. Contact our office at (877) 466-5245 if you are interested in hiring an attorney to handle your case.

    We look forward to your call!

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