Postal Service

Federal Defense Lawyer Explains Crimes Involving the Postal Service

The postal service is one of the most longstanding institutions in the United States, and it is entitled to special protections under federal law. Interference with the operations of the postal service or taking action to prevent mail from being delivered by the post office can result in serious consequences, including federal criminal charges that carry harsh penalties.

You could be left with a criminal record and could face jail time as a result of crimes related to the post office, so it is important you are represented by an experienced federal criminal defense attorney who can help you to fight against accusations of wrongdoing.

LV Criminal Defense is a trusted firm serving Nevada, California, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona. The unparalleled experience that members of our legal team have can help to ensure that you will always get the best possible outcome if you are faced with charges for crimes related to the post office.

You should be proactive in responding to charges because the sooner you act, the sooner your defense lawyer can help you to protect yourself in interactions with federal officials and the sooner your attorney can help you begin gathering evidence to make your case. Call LV Criminal Defense today to find out how we can help you.

Federal Laws On Crimes Involving the Postal Service

There are many different kinds of federal crimes a defendant could be charged with for various unlawful actions related to the post office. In fact, there are 53 different statutes that address postal crimes, just four of which have been repealed. These statutes are found in 18 U.S. Code Chapter 83, and they address all different types of offenses including obstruction of mail and the reproduction of keys or locks. The relevant statutes within Chapter 83 that relate to the postal service include:

• 18 U.S. Code section 1691: Laws governing postal savings
• 18 U.S. Code section 1692: Foreign mail as United States mail
• 18 U.S. Code section 1693: Carriage of mail generally
• 18 U.S. Code section 1694: Carriage of matter out of mail over post routes
• 18 U.S. Code section 1695: Carriage of matter out of mail on vessels
• 18 U.S. Code section 1696: Private express for letters and packets
• 18 U.S. Code section 1697: Transportation of persons acting as private express
• 18 U.S. Code section 1698: Prompt delivery of mail from vessel
• 18 U.S. Code section 1699: Certification of delivery from vessel
• 18 U.S. Code section 1700: Desertion of mails
• 18 U.S. Code section 1701: Obstruction of mails generally
• 18 U.S. Code section 1702: Obstruction of correspondence
• 18 U.S. Code section 1703: Delay or destruction of mail or newspapers
• 18 U.S. Code section 1704: Keys or locks stolen or reproduced
• 18 U.S. Code section 1705: Destruction of letter boxes or mail
• 18 U.S. Code section 1706: Injury to mail bags
• 18 U.S. Code section 1707: Theft of property used by Postal Service
• 18 U.S. Code section 1708: Theft or receipt of stolen mail matter gen¬erally
• 18 U.S. Code section 1709: Theft of mail matter by officer or employee
• 18 U.S. Code section 1710: Theft of newspapers
• 18 U.S. Code section 1711: Misappropriation of postal funds
• 18 U.S. Code section 1712: Falsification of postal returns to increase compensation
• 18 U.S. Code section 1713: Issuance of money orders without payment
• 18 U.S. Code section 1715: Firearms as nonmailable; regulations
• 18 U.S. Code section 1716: Injurious articles as nonmailable
• 18 U.S. Code section 1716A: Nonmailable locksmithing devices and motor vehicle master keys
• 18 U.S. Code section 1716B: Nonmailable plants
• 18 U.S. Code section 1716C: Forged agricultural certifications
• 18 U.S. Code section 1716D: Nonmailable injurious animals, plant pests, plants, and illegally taken fish, wildlife, and plants
• 18 U.S. Code section 1716E: Tobacco products as nonmailable
• 18 U.S. Code section 1717: Letters and writings as nonmailable
• 18 U.S. Code section 1719: Franking privilege
• 18 U.S. Code section 1720: Canceled stamps and envelopes
• 18 U.S. Code section 1721: Sale or pledge of stamps
• 18 U.S. Code section 1722: False evidence to secure second-class rate
• 18 U.S. Code section 1723: Avoidance of postage by using lower class matter
• 18 U.S. Code section 1724: Postage on mail delivered by foreign vessels
• 18 U.S. Code section 1725: Postage unpaid on deposited mail matter
• 18 U.S. Code section 1726: Postage collected unlawfully
• 18 U.S. Code section 1728: Weight of mail increased fraudulently
• 18 U.S. Code section 1729: Post office conducted without authority
• 18 U.S. Code section 1730: Uniforms of carriers
• 18 U.S. Code section 1731: Vehicles falsely labeled as carriers
• 18 U.S. Code section 1732: Approval of bond or sureties by postmaster
• 18 U.S. Code section 1733: Mailing periodical publications without prepayment of postage
• 18 U.S. Code section 1734: Editorials and other matter as “advertisements”
• 18 U.S. Code section 1735: Sexually oriented advertisements
• 18 U.S. Code section 1736: Restrictive use of information
• 18 U.S. Code section 1737: Manufacturer of sexually related mail matter

For each of these statutes, there are specific requirements that prosecutors must meet if you are to be found guilty. Every element of each offense must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt and if it cannot be, then you should be acquitted and avoid penalties for the federal crimes with which you’ve been charged.

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