What are the Consequences for Throwing Away Someone Else's Mail in America
In the United States, it is a federal crime to intentionally discard someone else's mail. This includes throwing it away, burning it, or otherwise destroying it. The consequences for doing so can be severe.
Federal Penalties
Under the Federal Mail Theft and Fraud Statutes, intentionally discarding someone else's mail is a felony offense. The penalties for a first-time conviction can include:
- Up to five years in prison
- Fines up to $250,000
- Restitution to the victim
State Penalties
Many states also have laws that prohibit discarding someone else's mail. These laws vary by state, but the penalties can be significant. For example, in California, discarding someone else's mail is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
Civil Penalties
In addition to criminal penalties, you could also be liable for civil damages if you discard someone else's mail. The victim could sue you for the value of the mail, as well as any other damages they suffer as a result of your actions.
Questions and Answers
Could I be charged with a crime if I accidentally threw away someone else's mail? * Generally, no. However, if you knew or should have known that the mail belonged to someone else, you could be charged with a crime.
What if I was given permission to throw away someone else's mail? * If you have written permission from the recipient, you are not committing a crime by discarding their mail.
What is the penalty for stealing someone else's mail? * The penalties for stealing mail are more severe than those for discarding mail. Stealing mail is a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
What should I do if I find someone else's mail? * The best thing to do is to return it to the post office or leave it in a mailbox.
What are some examples of mail that is illegal to discard? * Bills, bank statements, credit card statements, and any other mail that contains personal or financial information.
Related Hot-Selling Products
- Shredder: Fellowes Powershred 11C
- Mail Organizer: Mind Reader Desk Mail Sorter
- Mailbox: Gibraltar MailBoss Elite
- Security Camera: Arlo Pro 4 Wireless Security Camera
- Postage Scale: American Weigh Scales Digital Postal Scale
Pre：Can I throw away a previous tenant s mail in California
Next：What does ‘threw the book at them’ mean and where did it originate from