Arrest by postal inspector of United States postal inspection service

A Nevada Defense Lawyer Unveils Arrests by Postal Inspectors in Nevada NRS 171.1257

Many people are unaware that the United States Postal Service has its own investigation division that pursues cases against defendants suspected of criminal acts. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service can take action when certain offenses are suspected including mail fraud crimes, mail theft, identity theft, and mailbox vandalism.  Many of these offenses, including mail fraud, are serious crimes with the potential for a criminal sentence of decades of imprisonment if a defendant is convicted.

If you are arrested by a postal inspector, it is important that you understand your options. You must respond aggressively to serious charge, and LV Criminal Defense is here and ready to help.   Give us a call as soon as possible so we can provide you with assistance in developing a strategic response to the federal charges you face.

Arrest by a Postal Inspector

The laws of Nevada establish guidelines for when a postal inspector may arrest someone based on reasonable suspicion a criminal offense has been committed.  Nevada Revised Statutes Section 171.1257 gives authority to a postal inspector to arrest someone if a warrant is delivered to him.  A postal inspector may also make a lawful arrest:

• Whenever any public offense is attempted or committed that is related to postal matters and that occurs in the inspector’s presence.
• When any felony or misdemeanor offense is committed that is related to postal matters, even if it does not occur in the presence of the inspector.
• When there is reasonable cause to believe an offense has been committed that is related to postal matters and that is either a felony or a misdemeanor.
• When a charge is made based on reasonable suspicion that a felony or gross misdemeanor offense has been committed that relates to postal matters.
• When a warrant has been issued for a crime related to postal matters and the postal inspector has a reasonable belief the person being arrested is the person for whom there is an outstanding warrant.

Postal matters refers to any criminal action that is connected with the mail service, including the theft of mail, mail fraud, and the collection of mail.

Mail Fraud Penalties

Mail fraud is a very broad category of fraud offense applicable to any situation where the postal service is used in furtherance of any fraud scheme. It is a federal crime, and the possible maximum penalty under 18 U.S. Code Section 1341 is 20 years imprisonment, or 30 years imprisonment when there is a financial institution affected by the fraud offense.

You cannot assume an arrest by a postal inspector is any less serious than an arrest by any other state or federal law enforcement agent. You must respond in a strategic way to the charges, you must be aware of your rights, and you must begin building a solid defense strategy so you can try to avoid a conviction that changes your life.  An attorney can assist you.

How a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

 At LV Criminal Defense, we have represented many clients facing federal criminal charges. We have an in-depth understanding of laws related to mail fraud and related crimes and we understand the criminal process after you are arrested by a postal inspector or other law enforcement agent. We will work hard to help you avoid being convicted or to reduce the charges that you could face for the crimes you are accused of committing. Give us a call as soon as you can so we can begin work on your case.