UCMJ Article 109a: Mail Matter: Wrongful Taking, Opening, Etc.

The MCM states under Article 109a (Mail Matter: Wrongful Taking, Opening, Etc.) that any service member may be subject to prosecution if they:

1. with the intent to obstruct the correspondence of, or to pry into the business or secrets of, any person or organization, wrongfully takes mail matter before the mail matter is delivered to or received by the addressee; or

2. wrongfully opens, secretes, destroys, or steals mail matter before the mail matter is delivered to or received by the addressee.

In order to be prosecuted for wrongful taking of mail, the prosecution must demonstrate:

1. the accused took specific mail matters;

2. such taking was wrongful;

3. the mail matter was taken by the accused before it was delivered to or received by the addressee and

4. such taking was with the intent to obstruct the correspondence or pry into the business or secrets of any person or organization.

Charges of wrongful opening, secreting, destroying, or stealing of mail may be applicable if it can be proven:

1. the accused opened, secreted, destroyed, or stole specific mail matter;

2. such opening, secreting, destroying, or stealing was wrongful; and

3. the mail matter was opened, secreted, destroyed, or stolen by the accused before it was delivered to or received by the addressee.

Understanding Article 109a (Mail Matter: Wrongful Taking, Opening, Etc.) of the UCMJ

The purpose of Article 109a is to protect the mail and mail system. Mail matter refers to any matter deposited in a postal system of any government or any authorized depository or in official mail channels of the United States or an agency of the United States, including the armed forces. The monetary value of the mail matter is irrelevant.

Maximum Possible Punishment for Violations of Article 109a

Service members convicted of an Article 109a violation face the maximum possible punishment of a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and forced confinement of up to 5 years.

How do you defend against Article 109a Mail Matter: Wrongful Taking, Opening, etc.? charges?

When you are facing the combined resources of the military as well as the current cultural climate, you need to be prepared to defend your career and your freedom. Crisp and Associates, LLC has a team of experienced trial attorneys who have won these cases. This team includes the firm’s founder, Jonathan Crisp, a highly respected former Army JAG with over 23 years of experience in military law and a sought-after speaker and lecturer on martial law. Donald Gordon has litigated cases before the Discharge Review Board, the Board for Correction of Military Records, and the Board for Correction of Naval Records regarding various matters and a diverse background of clients.

If you or someone you know is facing Article 109a charges for Mail Matter: Wrongful Taking, Opening, Etc., you need to speak with a Military defense attorney right away. Please call Crisp and Associates Military at 888-347-1514 for a free consultation.