[Legal Question] Why does opening a package that comes in the mail mean that you were responsible for it being shipped?

I've never ordered from these markets, but I've been around since SR1 watching it all unfold and thinking it's really cool and whatnot, and I've been watching this new project: https://github.com/OpenBazaar/OpenBazaar

Anyway, here's my question:

Whenever someone is worried about a controlled delivery, the advice is always, "Don't open the package for a few days and then if nothing happens you'll be fine."

To me this just seems super strange. I feel like most white-collar law abiding citizens will open any package they get in the mail, even if they're not expecting it. If something is labeled to me, and it comes to my home, I'm opening it! How the hell does opening it indicate that you were aware of what was in the box?

Or perhaps I'm misunderstanding this. Are controlled deliveries simply the 5-0 opening the package, seeing that it has drugs, and then repacking it and delivering it to you and then promptly raiding the house so they can then charge you with possession? Or are you charge for ordering the drugs (eg: importing drugs across state lines)?


Comments


[7 Points] 234gefg:

The law as a whole is more simple then you think. I personally have a stack of unopened mail. Sometimes to include packages from amazon etc. if I know what is in it, but I don't need it right now. I sometimes wont open it for days / weeks / whatever.

The cops are not monitoring your internet traffic, unless something extreme is going on, very extreme.

the post office sees something ridiculous about your package, if its first classs or priority ( a version of first class ) they compile the data they have and request a search warrant to open the package, if its something else, I believe the postal inspector at the location can open the package.

What they do in that situation is likely that they report it to whatever local law enforcement they work with. Then it seems to just be up to the law what they will do with it at that point, toss it and say fuck it or spool up a bigger response. Customs is a different subject as there is SOO MUCH nonsense coming through that generally unless its crazy ridiculous they are just going to send you the letter and let it sit in some holding room and then destroy it.

Now the controlled delivery is easy to gather information on as its on the fucking postal inspectors website, but google is hard and you are anxious for your drugs. The controlled delivery must be undertook by the postal inspector in uniform and you must sign for the package. You have to think of this from a legal aspect " who signs and opens a package they know nothing about in these times of terrorism, oh my?"

so they have a package that came from somewhere, it was shitty stealth, they know who it is going to, depending what they are doing that day they get the police / postal inspector involved and they go wait for you to sign for this package. Up until you sign for it its anyones, once you sign for it its yours.

DONT SIGN FOR SHIT, ESPECIALLY NOT FROM A UNIFORMED AGENT

you may think logically this makes little sense, no one cares what you think. This is how the law works. If you aren't signing that you want it, any half retarded lawyer can get you off, again LOGIC DOESNT MEAN SHIT. its what your lawyer can successfully argue.

it gets a bit murky when you think about you signing for it and then waiting to open it, but whats for dam sure is that if you open it you know what you have, if you don't open it they CANNOT PROVE YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS, therefore the lawyer will handle explaining that and you will get off on what you may consider a technicality, but who the fuck cares, you aren't fucked or in jail. Keep in mind the police are just like a business, they know how much the officers and the gear costs and they aren't going to leave a fucking swat team sitting on your house for days on end in the hopes that you open something. They are going to hit you when they are going to hit you or they aren't, there is no benefit to them waiting or doing some massive investigation unless they think the value you present is worth the expenditure.

Keep in mind search warrants have to have a reason for them to exist. Depending on the rest of the items in your house, they may very well be inadmissible once the initial charges are proved to be false or inaccurate, again, you are not smarter then the cops, and you dam sure aren't smarter then your lawyer.

don't sign for shit don't say shit have some fucking patience crackhead.


[2 Points] SGuegan:

I thought the advice was don't sign/accept for a controlled delivery. Just say that you don't know what it is and it must be a mistake. I think one of the justifications for a warrant is they know the stuff is in your house (because they delivered it). Once inside, they can search for other stuff (and probably find it) to support a case.

If the only evidence they had was that one package delivered and accepted, and nothing else in your home, and no other evidence, (such as proof you actually used it) then I don't think there is a case.


[2 Points] buftrut:

The point of not opening it is its easier to claim ignorance when when they burst in when its sitting on your table unopened. If you open it, then hide it or do it, or even try to flush it when they come that implies you knew it was drugs and were most likely expecting it.


[0 Points] None:

I believe its that might use evidence that you were expecting the package. I can't vouch for any legal laws but i believe when it comes down to a you vs them situation.. its highly doubtable you will be innocent till proven guilty.

take care.


[0 Points] galaxyandspace:

Ask a lawyer. I don't believe any of us here are one, and Reddit isn't the greatest platform for asking lawyers.


[0 Points] over9000pies:

I would guess that by the time they do a controlled delivery on you, they have other evidence against you. Like, they have been monitoring your computer traffic, or they have some other reason that might hold up in court if you try to deny you knew the drugs were coming.