The bill S. 357 aims to create a new offense of mail theft in South Carolina by adding Section 16-13-190 to the South Carolina Code of Laws. The legislation defines "mail" and "mail receptacle," and outlines various actions that constitute mail theft, including knowingly taking, destroying, or obtaining mail with the intent to deprive or defraud another person. The bill establishes penalties for violations, categorizing them as either a Class E felony or a Class A misdemeanor, depending on the intent and the number of offenses. Additionally, the court is mandated to order restitution to the victim in cases of mail theft.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing sections of the South Carolina Code to incorporate the new offense of mail theft. It specifies that a first offense without intent to defraud is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, while subsequent offenses escalate to a Class E felony. The penalties include fines and imprisonment, with the maximum fine for a Class E felony set at ten thousand dollars and a potential prison sentence of up to ten years. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
02/18/2025: 16-13-190
04/16/2025: 16-13-190
Latest Version: 16-13-190
02/18/2025-A: 16-13-190