Is it illegal to read someone else's mail?
It is a federal crime to open, read, or destroy mail intended for someone else.
Reading someone else's mail is generally illegal and classified as federal mail theft or obstruction of correspondence. It is a crime to knowingly take mail from a post office, mailbox, or letter carrier that is not addressed to you, even if delivered to your address by mistake. While accidental opening of a neighbor's envelope is common, the intentional act of reading or withholding it for improper purposes attracts severe scrutiny. You are legally required to return misdelivered mail to the USPS or the intended recipient.
RELEVANT LAWS
- 18 U.S.C. § 1702Obstruction of Correspondence
- 18 U.S.C. § 1708Theft or Receipt of Stolen Mail
- Postal Service Manual Section 311Handling of Misdelivered Mail
POTENTIAL PENALTIES
- Federal prison sentences of up to 5 years per occurrence
- Personal fines up to $250,000
- A permanent criminal record as a federal felon
- Civil liability for invasion of privacy or identity theft
JURISDICTION
This is a federal offense governed by the USPS and the federal court system, meaning laws are consistent across all 50 U.S. states.
The 'sanctity of the mail' is so guarded that even if a letter is delivered to your house with the wrong name, it is technically a crime to open it rather than writing 'Return to Sender' and placing it back in the box.
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