How to press charges for someone opening your mail

I'm not a lawyer, but I can provide some general information about the process of pressing charges for someone opening your mail. Please note that laws and procedures may vary depending on your location, so it's best to consult with a local law enforcement agency or legal professional for specific guidance.

In the United States, opening someone's mail without their permission is considered a federal offense under 18 U.S. Code § 1702. This law makes it illegal to "open, embezzle, or steal any letter, postal card, or package directed to another person."

To press charges for someone opening your mail, you can follow these steps:

  1. Gather evidence: Collect any evidence you have that shows the person opened your mail, such as:
    • A photo or video of the person opening your mail
    • A witness statement from someone who saw the person opening your mail
    • A copy of the mail piece with the opening evident (e.g., a torn or ripped envelope)
  2. Contact local law enforcement: Reach out to your local police department or sheriff's office and report the incident. Provide them with the evidence you've gathered and explain what happened.
  3. File a complaint: The police will likely ask you to file a complaint, which is a written statement describing the incident. Be as detailed as possible and include any relevant information, such as the date, time, and location of the incident.
  4. Obtain a complaint number: The police will assign a complaint number to your report. Keep this number handy, as you'll need it to follow up on the case.
  5. Follow up with the police: After filing the complaint, follow up with the police to see if they've made any progress on the case. You can also ask them to provide you with an update on the status of the investigation.
  6. Consider seeking a restraining order: If the person who opened your mail is a repeat offender or has a history of harassment, you may want to consider seeking a restraining order to protect yourself from further harm.
  7. Pursue criminal charges: If the police have enough evidence to support a criminal charge, they may file charges against the person who opened your mail. You'll need to appear in court to testify and provide additional evidence.

It's important to note that the process of pressing charges can be complex and time-consuming. It's also important to prioritize your safety and well-being, as dealing with someone who has opened your mail can be stressful and potentially dangerous.

In addition to pressing charges, you may also want to consider taking steps to protect your mail and personal information, such as:

Remember to always prioritize your safety and well-being, and seek help if you're experiencing harassment or stalking.