Federal offense?

Question

Is it a crime for a husband who is seperated from his wife to open, copy and distribute (to family members) a letter from the Social Security Administration addressed to and intended for his wife? AND what should my daughter do about it?
Thanks

My daughter was the intended party of the letter!

Answer 1

Yes, it's against the law for anyone to open anyone's mail, period. And the postal service is a federal agency, so it IS a federal offence.

Answer 2

You're asking if someone privately showing a letter, addressed to one person, to family membres violates federal mail tampering laws.

That's a very tricky question, and depends on many facts, including the specifics of how the letter was addressed, whether the separation is formal or informal, where they were living at the time, the circumstances under which the events occurred, whether there is any argument of implied consent, and so on.

Bottom line, even if it is a technical violation, there is very little chance that the federal authorities would seek to prosecute that person. But if you want to know for sure, consult with a licensed attorney.

Answer 3

Your daughter should contact the Postal Inspector AND hire an attorney!

"Mail fraud and mail theft are each felonies and carry with them severe penalties, including a prison term and a fine of up to $250,000. If the fraud involves any type of financial intuition the accused may face a 30 year prison sentence and a fine of up to one million dollars."

Good luck to her...

Answer 4

I don't understand the daughter's connection with this, but it is definitely illegal for anyone to open mail addressed to someone else. Report it to the P.O. and the police!

Answer 5

yes.any mail tampering is illegal

Answer 6

... your daughter should mind her own business ... silly goose ...