New Laws - Theft

The Louisiana Legislature is, once again, in session, and has been busy passing new legislation that impacts all aspects of Louisianan’s lives. Of specific interest to us over the next few weeks are the changes they have made to various criminal offenses and procedures.

This week, I’d like to address the changes they’ve made to several theft statutes, including creating a new crime (at least under state law): “Mail Theft” and “Theft or unauthorized reproduction of a mail receptacle key or lock.”

Mail Theft can now be found in Title 14, at Subsection 67.6 and prohibits any of the following:

“(1) Removing mail from a mail depository or taking mail from a mail carrier with a postal service with an intent to steal.

(2) Obtaining custody of mail by fraud or deception with an intent to steal.

(3) Selling, receiving, possession, transferring, buying, or concealing mail obtained by acts described in Paragraphs (1) or (2) of this Subsection, while knowing or having reason to know the mail was obtained illegally.

La. R.S. 14:67.7(B). Mail is defined as “any letter, postal card, parcel, envelope, package, bag, or any other sealed article addressed to another, along with its contents.” Mail Depository is defined as “a mail box, letter box, or mail receptacle of a postal service, an officer of a postal service, or a vehicle of a postal service.”

Theft or unauthorized reproduction of of a mail receptacle key or lock is defined as any of the following:

(1) Stealing or obtaining by false pretense any key or lock adopted by a postal service for any box or other authorized receptacle for the deposit or delivery of mail.

(2) Knowingly and unlawfully making, forging, or counterfeiting any such key, or possessing any such key or lock adopted by a postal service that delivers mail with the intent to unlawfully or improperly use, sell, or otherwise dispose of the key or lock, or to cause the key or lock to be unlawfully or improperly used, sold, or otherwise disposed.

The penalties for either of these offenses is imprisonment with or without hard labor, for up to five years and/or a fine of up to $5,000. A second or subsequent conviction carries a penalty of imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for a minimum of 1 year up to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000. Offenders will also be required to make restitution.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal prosecution and would like to schedule a consult. Give us a call at (318) 459-9111 to schedule a meeting.