What Happens If You Get Caught Stealing Packages?

Every year in November and December, local news outlets diligently report on the annual epidemic that is package theft. Boxes mysteriously go missing, drop-cams catch shadowy thieves following FedEx trucks and racing up and down porches to snatch up Amazon deliveries, and postal employees offer their advice to avoid becoming the victim.

Unfortunately, the new year doesn’t offer much relief, with thieves striking at any time of year.

And package theft isn’t just a matter of inconvenience or disappointment, either; if you’re caught stealing packages, you could face serious fines or even jail time. That’s because crimes that have to do with the post office and mail can carry special punitive measures.

What Is Package Theft?

Despite the coverage, which makes it sound like package theft is a standalone offense, it is, under both Washington State and federal law, a kind of mail theft. And mail theft is extremely serious.

Because the post is handled by the federal government, mail theft cases can be heard in federal courts; stealing mail can get a person up to five years in jail.

Washington State’s mail theft law is a little laxer—the class C felony of mail theft requires that an alleged thief steal from numerous addresses or from the same address multiple times. That means that first offenses are charged as petty theft, which comes with a fine of $1,000 and is a misdemeanor. Aggressive, diligent legal counsel can often achieve less severe outcomes.

Potential Package Theft Sentencing

To be caught and charged with mail theft, a suspect would typically need to be both directly linked to the crime—and being caught on camera isn’t even always enough proof—and be found to be in possession of the items. This happened last year in West Seattle, when citizens saw a package theft in progress and called 911. Police arrived and found the suspects nearby. They were charged only with petty theft, though.

Where package theft and other mail theft differ is typically what happens to the contents of the package after it’s stolen.

The contents of a package may be considered stolen goods, which means if they’re sold or otherwise returned to the market, there may be additional charges. Additionally, if the contents are at all specific to the person who ordered them—say, prescription drugs or a firearm—the person in possession of the goods could see more serious charges.

And finally, if there is any identifying information in the contents of the package—like birthdays, credit card numbers, or social security information, a thief may also be charged with identity theft or related crimes.

Package theft can be difficult to prove, though; even in the era of porch cameras and watchful neighbors, if you’ve been charged with theft, it’s not the end of the story. Obtain legal counsel quickly to ensure you get a fair trial, no matter the charges.

If You’ve Been Charged with theft in Seattle, Contact the Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers at Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws

The expert defense team at Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC vigorously defend the rights of individuals facing a multitude of charges in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form to get more information or to get a free case review!