Porch Piracy is a Crime: Here’s What You Should Know
We are in the midst of the holiday season, and online shopping has peaked at record levels, which means delivery rates have also increased. As more people have returned to work this year compared to last year’s holiday season, many people will not be home to receive their packages. Consequently, authorities warn the public of porch piracy. People are considered porch pirates when they take packages from the mailboxes or doorsteps of other people, but what happens when you find yourself accused of porch piracy? Porch piracy is a serious crime in California that may carry serious punishment. When facing this type of crime, act quickly – consider hiring the support of Southern California’s top criminal defense attorneys, Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP.
Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP are criminal defense attorneys that are well-versed in burglary and theft cases. When you have been arrested on the suspicion of taking a package from another’s home, it is important that you obtain effective criminal defense support in order to protect your rights. Consider contacting the proficient criminal defense attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Porch Piracy: A New Crime Trend
E-commerce has exponentially increased in the last few years, unfortunately, so has the porch piracy epidemic. According to some reports, more than half of all Americans have a package delivered at least once a week and about one-third of all those who have ordered have experienced a package being stolen. As consumer habits continue to change, it is often difficult for the law to keep up.
Under current law, California treats the theft of a package from a person’s front home as a misdemeanor. Based on the California Penal Code §530.5(e), mail theft is based on the definition provided by Section 1708 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code. Based on the law, packages are included in what is considered “mail theft”, including, but not limited to: Receiving stolen mail knowing it was stolen, Stealing mail from a mailbox or receptacle, Removing the contents of stolen mail, and Using fraud to obtain mail.
A violation of this Penal Code carries a sentence of imprisonment in a county jail for up to a year and/or a sentence of up to $1,000.
Defend Against Mail Theft Charges
Criminal defense attorneys use a variety of legal strategies in order to defend their clients against the accusation of being in the possession of stolen mail. A few of these defenses include: Making an argument that the mail in question was taken by accident, Making an argument that the accused did not take the mail with criminal intent, or Making the argument that arresting officers violated the accused’s constitutional rights.
Hire a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Mail theft is on the rise across the United States. Unfortunately, thousands of people are mistakenly accused of taking someone else’s packages. When charged with mail theft, you will need to act quickly and seek the legal support of an aggressive criminal defense attorney.
Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP are reputable criminal defense attorneys with office locations conveniently located in San Bernardino and Redlands. If you are facing mail theft, you must take swift action and begin building your defense today. With the support of Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP, you will be able to defend your freedom and negotiate for the best potential outcome in your case. Consider contacting Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP for a free case evaluation today.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.