Gov. Abbott Signs in Law Making Package Theft a Felony

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill into a law making mail and package theft a felony. 

On June 10, Abbott signed in Texas House Bill 37 making package and mail thefts a felony charge. The law will begin being enforced on September 1. 

The following is the punishment for mail theft: 

• First-degree felony if someone stole from more than 50 different people.
• Second-degree felony for stealing from 20 to 50 people different people.
• Third-degree felony for stealing from 10 to 20 different people.
• A state felony for stealing from less than 10 different people.

Felons convicted could face anywhere between 180 days to 10 years in prison. Additionally, a convict could receive a fine of $4,000 to $10,000 or more.

This law is being placed after an alarming Christmas season where a large number of package thefts were reported.