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Postman / Postwoman
up to 12 months in prison
Yes, from the time the mail is sent until it is received by the person it is sent to the mail is the property of the post office and therefore government property. Preventing a person from receiving their mail is theft of government property; for which you can go to prison.
Of course it is. Unless they give it to you to read. And opening it could be tampering with the mail, which could be a Federal crime.
Better not be...
Yes Yes
Burning someone else's mail is illegal and considered a federal offense in the United States. It violates postal laws that protect the privacy and security of mail. Penalties for tampering with mail can include fines and imprisonment. It is best to respect the privacy of others and not interfere with their mail.
It is against federal law to open someone else's mail only if that mail is removed from a mailbox or from a post office or post carrier before it is delivered. If mail is delivered to your address that belongs to someone else it is not illegal to open it.
it depends what mail...
by opening it
Although someone may receive your mail, and even open it at your specific direction, opening another person's mail (in the US) is a violation of federal law. It is rarely taken to prosecution, but it can carry a prison sentence. If you believe your mail is being opened, contact the US Postal Inspection Service.
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