Michigan § 445.33 - Taking, holding, concealing, or destroying mail addressed to another person; prohibited conduct; violation as a crime; penalties; applicable whether alive or deceased.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 445.33 — Taking, holding, concealing, or destroying mail addressed to another person; prohibited conduct; violation as a crime; penalties; applicable whether alive or deceased., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 445.33. Taking, holding, concealing, or destroying mail addressed to another person; prohibited conduct; violation as a crime; penalties; applicable whether alive or deceased.
(1) A person shall not take, hold, conceal, or destroy mail addressed to another person with the intent to defraud any person or deprive the person to whom the mail was addressed of the mail.
(2) A person who violates this section is guilty of a crime punishable as follows:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b), the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.
(b) If the violation is a second or subsequent violation of this section, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.
(3) This section applies whether a person whose mail is obtained, or attempted to be obtained, if the person is an individual, in violation of this section is alive or deceased at the time of the violation.
(4) This section does not prohibit a person from being charged with, convicted of, or sentenced for any other violation of law committed by that person using mail obtained in violation of this section or any other violation of law committed by that person while violating or attempting to violate this section.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 445.33
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 445.33 cover?
Section 445.33 ("Taking, holding, concealing, or destroying mail addressed to another person; prohibited conduct; violation as a crime; penalties; applicable whether alive or deceased.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Michigan § 445.33?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 445.33" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 445.33 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.