Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 1701: Obstruction of mails generally

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

This statute makes it a crime to knowingly and willfully obstruct or delay mail delivery or mail carriers. Penalties include a fine, imprisonment up to six months, or both.

Read the full statutory text

Whoever knowingly and willfully obstructs or retards the passage of the mail, or any carrier or conveyance carrying the mail, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.