Is opening other peoples' mail a crime?
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Opening Other's Mail

It is all about intent. If you opened in good faith...maybe thought it was yours, etc...if you did it out of curiosity, spite, or greed...yes it is a felony offense////

Answer

Opening someone else's mail is a crime in the United States. However, parents can open their kids' mail.

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First poster is correct. If you have the permission from the person the mail is addressed too it's not a Federal offense. I open my husband's mail and he opens mine, but we've agreed upon it. I once opened up someone's mail by mistake when it was delivered to our house. I didn't read the contents, but did put it in another envelope with my apologies and thankfully the person didn't make a big thing of it. It was simply a careless mistake.

Answer

It is not a federal crime to take, open, destroy, or hide someone else's mail unless it happens after it was mailed and "before it has been delivered to the person to whom it was directed". 18 USC sec. 1702. However, it may be a violation of a state law regarding privacy in your state.

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First answer by TRINABABE. Last edit by Pittdad. Contributor trust: 58 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 50 [recommend question]

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