What is the penalty for removing mail from someone's mailbox?

Full question:

My girlfriend's landlord has been taking her mail out of the mailbox from the house she is renting and holding on to it. The landlord has admitted to it on a saved voicemail. What are the penalties for mail theft? And, what steps should she take against the landlord?

Answer:

Please see the information at the following link:

http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/mailthft.htm

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Yes, it is illegal to take mail from someone else's mailbox without permission. This act is considered mail theft under federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 1708. Taking someone else's mail can lead to serious penalties, including fines and imprisonment.