Intercepting Mail or E-Mail

The developments of the information age have made it increasingly easy to quickly send and receive communications. The invention of e-mail has made it possible for virtually anyone to be just a click away from communicating with the outside world. At the same time, it has also become easier to look through another person's e-mail or other online communications.

While this may seem like a minor discretion, and perhaps a tempting one at that, it is actually a serious criminal offense to read another person's mail without his or her permission.

Communication and the Law

According to Texas law, it is illegal for a person to intercept or read another person's correspondence against his or her will. Whether it is a letter received in the mail or an e-mail with a curious subject heading, opening another individual's mail is a criminal offense. Whether you are a suspicious spouse, a concerned friend, or just plain curious, reading another person's mail could get you into serious trouble with the law.

Charges and Penalties

The unlawful interception of communications is classified as a second-degree felony in the state of Texas, which can lead to the following penalties if convicted:

• A minimum of 2 years and up to 20 years in prison, and
• Fines up to $10,000, and
• Probation

Clearly even a single conviction for unlawfully intercepting mail or e-mail can have a lasting effect on your personal and professional life. With a felony conviction, you may have trouble finding or keeping a job, gaining admission to an educational institution, or securing a loan for a house or car. It is therefore important to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and your legal options.

Contact Us

For sound legal advice and assistance regarding your criminal charges and defense, don't hesitate to contact Austin criminal lawyer Ian Inglis today at 512-472-1950.