H-2334

AN ACT Relating to crimes relating to mail theft and destruction; reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.320; adding a new chapter to Title 9A RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Authorized depository" means a mailbox, post office box, or rural box used by postal customers to deposit outgoing mail or used by the postal service to deliver incoming mail.

(2) "Letter box" means a receptacle intended or used for the receipt or delivery of mail on a mail route.

(3)(a) "Mail" means a letter, card, parcel, or other material that:

(i) Is sent or delivered by means of the postal service;

(ii) Has postage affixed by the postal customer or postal service; and

(iii) Is placed in an authorized depository or mail receptacle.

(b) "Mail" includes articles contained in mail.

(4) "Mail receptacle" means a place used by the postal service or postal customers to place outgoing mail or receive incoming mail.

(5) "Postage" means a postal service stamp, permit imprint, meter strip, or other authorized indication of prepayment for service provided by the postal service for collection and delivery of mail.

(6) "Postal service" means the United States postal service.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) A person commits the crime of obstruction of mail if the person intentionally obstructs or delays:

(a) The passage of the mail; or

(b) A carrier or conveyance carrying the mail.

(2) Obstruction of mails is a gross misdemeanor.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) A person commits the crime of destruction of letter boxes or mail if the person knowingly:

(a) Tears down or destroys a letter box belonging to another;

(b) Breaks open a letter box belonging to another; or

(2) Destruction of letter boxes or mail is a gross misdemeanor.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) A person commits the crime of mail theft or receipt of stolen mail if the person knowingly:

(a) Takes, or by fraud or deception obtains, mail from a mail receptacle, authorized depository, or mail carrier;

(b) Secretes, embezzles, or destroys mail;

(c) Takes, or by fraud or deception obtains, mail that has been left for collection on or adjacent to an authorized depository or mail receptacle; or

(d) Buys, receives, conceals, or unlawfully possesses mail knowing that the mail was taken, obtained, or embezzled as described in this subsection.

(2) Mail theft or receipt of stolen mail is a class C felony.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. In a prosecution under this chapter, it is a defense that the defendant acted under an honest claim of right in that:

(1) The defendant was unaware that the property was that of another person;

(2) The defendant reasonably believed that the defendant was entitled to the property involved or had a right to acquire or dispose of it as the defendant did; or

(3) The property involved was that of the defendant's minor child or spouse, unless the parties were not living together as husband and wife and were residing in, and intended to continually reside in, separate abodes at the time of the alleged offense.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. Sections 1 through 5 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 9A RCW.

Sec. 7. RCW 9.94A.320 and 1998 c 290 s 4, 1998 c 219 s 4, 1998 c 82 s 1, and 1998 c 78 s 1 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

TABLE 2

CRIMES INCLUDED WITHIN EACH SERIOUSNESS LEVEL

XVAggravated Murder 1 (RCW 10.95.020)

XIVMurder 1 (RCW 9A.32.030)

Homicide by abuse (RCW 9A.32.055)

Malicious explosion 1 (RCW 70.74.280(1))

XIIIMurder 2 (RCW 9A.32.050)

Malicious explosion 2 (RCW 70.74.280(2))

Malicious placement of an explosive 1 (RCW 70.74.270(1))

XIIAssault 1 (RCW 9A.36.011)

Assault of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.36.120)

Rape 1 (RCW 9A.44.040)

Rape of a Child 1 (RCW 9A.44.073)

Malicious placement of an imitation device 1 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(a))

XIRape 2 (RCW 9A.44.050)

Rape of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.44.076)

Manslaughter 1 (RCW 9A.32.060)

XKidnapping 1 (RCW 9A.40.020)

Child Molestation 1 (RCW 9A.44.083)

Malicious explosion 3 (RCW 70.74.280(3))

Over 18 and deliver heroin, a narcotic from Schedule I or II, or flunitrazepam from Schedule IV to someone under 18 (RCW 69.50.406)

Leading Organized Crime (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(a))

Indecent Liberties (with forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1)(a))

Manufacture of methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

IXAssault of a Child 2 (RCW 9A.36.130)

Robbery 1 (RCW 9A.56.200)

Explosive devices prohibited (RCW 70.74.180)

Malicious placement of an explosive 2 (RCW 70.74.270(2))

Over 18 and deliver narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or a nonnarcotic, except flunitrazepam, from Schedule I-V to someone under 18 and 3 years junior (RCW 69.50.406)

Controlled Substance Homicide (RCW 69.50.415)

Sexual Exploitation (RCW 9.68A.040)

Inciting Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.060(1)(b))

Vehicular Homicide, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.520)

Homicide by Watercraft, by being under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 88.12.029)

VIIIArson 1 (RCW 9A.48.020)

Promoting Prostitution 1 (RCW 9A.88.070)

Selling for profit (controlled or counterfeit) any controlled substance (RCW 69.50.410)

Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver heroin or cocaine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i))

Deliver or possess with intent to deliver methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver amphetamine (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(ii))

Possession of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine (RCW 69.50.440)

Vehicular Homicide, by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner (RCW 46.61.520)

Homicide by Watercraft, by the operation of any vessel in a reckless manner (RCW 88.12.029)

Manslaughter 2 (RCW 9A.32.070)

VIIBurglary 1 (RCW 9A.52.020)

Vehicular Homicide, by disregard for the safety of others (RCW 46.61.520)

Homicide by Watercraft, by disregard for the safety of others (RCW 88.12.029)

Introducing Contraband 1 (RCW 9A.76.140)

Indecent Liberties (without forcible compulsion) (RCW 9A.44.100(1) (b) and (c))

Child Molestation 2 (RCW 9A.44.086)

Dealing in depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.050)

Sending, bringing into state depictions of minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct (RCW 9.68A.060)

Involving a minor in drug dealing (RCW 69.50.401(f))

Drive-by Shooting (RCW 9A.36.045)

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the first degree (RCW 9.41.040(1)(a))

Malicious placement of an explosive 3 (RCW 70.74.270(3))

VIBribery (RCW 9A.68.010)

Rape of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.44.079)

Intimidating a Juror/Witness (RCW 9A.72.110, 9A.72.130)

Malicious placement of an imitation device 2 (RCW 70.74.272(1)(b))

Incest 1 (RCW 9A.64.020(1))

Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver narcotics from Schedule I or II (except heroin or cocaine) or flunitrazepam from Schedule IV (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(i))

Intimidating a Judge (RCW 9A.72.160)

Bail Jumping with Murder 1 (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(a))

Theft of a Firearm (RCW 9A.56.300)

VPersistent prison misbehavior (RCW 9.94.070)

Criminal Mistreatment 1 (RCW 9A.42.020)

Abandonment of dependent person 1 (RCW 9A.42.060)

Rape 3 (RCW 9A.44.060)

Sexual Misconduct with a Minor 1 (RCW 9A.44.093)

Child Molestation 3 (RCW 9A.44.089)

Kidnapping 2 (RCW 9A.40.030)

Extortion 1 (RCW 9A.56.120)

Incest 2 (RCW 9A.64.020(2))

Perjury 1 (RCW 9A.72.020)

Extortionate Extension of Credit (RCW 9A.82.020)

Advancing money or property for extortionate extension of credit (RCW 9A.82.030)

Extortionate Means to Collect Extensions of Credit (RCW 9A.82.040)

Rendering Criminal Assistance 1 (RCW 9A.76.070)

Bail Jumping with class A Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(b))

Sexually Violating Human Remains (RCW 9A.44.105)

Delivery of imitation controlled substance by person eighteen or over to person under eighteen (RCW 69.52.030(2))

Possession of a Stolen Firearm (RCW 9A.56.310)

IVResidential Burglary (RCW 9A.52.025)

Theft of Livestock 1 (RCW 9A.56.080)

Robbery 2 (RCW 9A.56.210)

Assault 2 (RCW 9A.36.021)

Escape 1 (RCW 9A.76.110)

Arson 2 (RCW 9A.48.030)

Commercial Bribery (RCW 9A.68.060)

Bribing a Witness/Bribe Received by Witness (RCW 9A.72.090, 9A.72.100)

Malicious Harassment (RCW 9A.36.080)

Threats to Bomb (RCW 9.61.160)

Willful Failure to Return from Furlough (RCW 72.66.060)

Hit and Run‑-Injury Accident (RCW 46.52.020(4))

Hit and Run with Vessel‑-Injury Accident (RCW 88.12.155(3))

Vehicular Assault (RCW 46.61.522)

Assault by Watercraft (RCW 88.12.032)

Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver narcotics from Schedule III, IV, or V or nonnarcotics from Schedule I-V (except marijuana, amphetamine, methamphetamines, or flunitrazepam) (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1) (iii) through (v))

Influencing Outcome of Sporting Event (RCW 9A.82.070)

Use of Proceeds of Criminal Profiteering (RCW 9A.82.080 (1) and (2))

Knowingly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(2))

IIICriminal Gang Intimidation (RCW 9A.46.120)

Criminal Mistreatment 2 (RCW 9A.42.030)

Abandonment of dependent person 2 (RCW 9A.42.070)

Extortion 2 (RCW 9A.56.130)

Unlawful Imprisonment (RCW 9A.40.040)

Assault 3 (RCW 9A.36.031)

Assault of a Child 3 (RCW 9A.36.140)

Custodial Assault (RCW 9A.36.100)

Unlawful possession of firearm in the second degree (RCW 9.41.040(1)(b))

Harassment (RCW 9A.46.020)

Promoting Prostitution 2 (RCW 9A.88.080)

Willful Failure to Return from Work Release (RCW 72.65.070)

Burglary 2 (RCW 9A.52.030)

Introducing Contraband 2 (RCW 9A.76.150)

Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes (RCW 9.68A.090)

Patronizing a Juvenile Prostitute (RCW 9.68A.100)

Escape 2 (RCW 9A.76.120)

Perjury 2 (RCW 9A.72.030)

Bail Jumping with class B or C Felony (RCW 9A.76.170(2)(c))

Intimidating a Public Servant (RCW 9A.76.180)

Tampering with a Witness (RCW 9A.72.120)

Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver marijuana (RCW 69.50.401(a)(1)(iii))

Delivery of a material in lieu of a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(c))

Manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute an imitation controlled substance (RCW 69.52.030(1))

Recklessly Trafficking in Stolen Property (RCW 9A.82.050(1))

Theft of livestock 2 (RCW 9A.56.080)

Securities Act violation (RCW 21.20.400)

IIUnlawful Practice of Law (RCW 2.48.180)

Malicious Mischief 1 (RCW 9A.48.070)

Possession of Stolen Property 1 (RCW 9A.56.150)

Theft 1 (RCW 9A.56.030)

Class B Felony Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (RCW 9A.56.096(4))

Trafficking in Insurance Claims (RCW 48.30A.015)

Unlicensed Practice of a Profession or Business (RCW 18.130.190(7))

Health Care False Claims (RCW 48.80.030)

Possession of controlled substance that is either heroin or narcotics from Schedule I or II or flunitrazepam from Schedule IV (RCW 69.50.401(d))

Possession of phencyclidine (PCP) (RCW 69.50.401(d))

Create, deliver, or possess a counterfeit controlled substance (RCW 69.50.401(b))

Computer Trespass 1 (RCW 9A.52.110)

Escape from Community Custody (RCW 72.09.310)

IMail Theft or Receipt of Stolen Mail (section 4 of this act)

Theft 2 (RCW 9A.56.040)

Class C Felony Theft of Rental, Leased, or Lease-purchased Property (RCW 9A.56.096(4))

Possession of Stolen Property 2 (RCW 9A.56.160)

Forgery (RCW 9A.60.020)

Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission (RCW 9A.56.070)

Vehicle Prowl 1 (RCW 9A.52.095)

Attempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle (RCW 46.61.024)

Malicious Mischief 2 (RCW 9A.48.080)

Reckless Burning 1 (RCW 9A.48.040)

Unlawful Issuance of Checks or Drafts (RCW 9A.56.060)

Unlawful Use of Food Stamps (RCW 9.91.140 (2) and (3))

False Verification for Welfare (RCW 74.08.055)

Forged Prescription (RCW 69.41.020)

Forged Prescription for a Controlled Substance (RCW 69.50.403)

Possess Controlled Substance that is a Narcotic from Schedule III, IV, or V or Non-narcotic from Schedule I-V (except phencyclidine or flunitrazepam) (RCW 69.50.401(d))

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1999, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.