Mail Theft Charge in Virginia

January 21, 2026 by Jean Humbrecht

Mail theft in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-110.1) is a felony and can have severe consequences. For information on Mail Theft penalties in Virginia, read the post below.

What is Mail Theft in Virginia?

Mail Theft in Virginia can be proven in a number of ways. The Commonwealth can prove an offender committed Mail Theft in Virginia by showing that an offender:

  • knowingly, willfully, and with the intent to deprive, injure, damage, or defraud another
    • took, destroyed, hid or embezzled mail
  • knowingly, willfully, and with the intent to deprive, injure, damage, or defraud another
    • took or obtained mail by fraud or deception
  • bought, received, concealed or possessed
    • mail
    • knowing it was unlawfully obtained
  • bought, received, concealed or possessed
    • a key for a post office lock
  • bought, received, concealed, or possessed
    • a counterfeit device or key for a post office lock
  • knowingly, willfully, and with the intent to steal any mail inside
    • damaged, opened, removed, injured, vandalized, or destroyed any mail receptacle
mail theft penalties in Virginia

Mail Theft Penalties in Virginia Include Prison and High Fines

Mail Theft Penalties in Virginia

Mail Theft in Virginia is a Class 6 felony. It is punished with up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.

Felony convictions in Virginia also result in the loss of certain civil rights including the right to vote, hold public office, serve on a jury, become a notary public, and possess a firearm. A felony conviction in Virginia can also result in the loss of public benefits, housing, and employment opportunities, just to name a few.

Most importantly, a felony conviction will remain on an offender’s permanent criminal record and can never be expunged.

 

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