Why is signing for a package considered an admission of guilt?

So, I get a notice at my house/po box that there's a package addressed to me that has to be signed for. Isn't it human nature to be curious what's in the package? Whether or not I ordered it? I'd sign for it to find WTF it is.

Why is it an admission of guilt to want to know what's in some mystery package? I don't see that holding up in court. I'd tell the judge it must have been sent as a prank. Or by someone trying to get me in trouble.

Could a prosecutor actually use such flimsy evidence to get me convicted? IANAL - so maybe I'm missing something here.


Comments


[6 Points] None:

I don't know what country you're in. But up until you sign for a package here (UK) the mail is property of the crown. So it's not an admission of guilt, it's you confirming the package is your 'property' - and you can therfor be convicted for it. I don't really think the police care if someone sent you it as a prank - Otherwise there would be a lot of people using their get out of jail free card with 'That's not my crack, my friend must've left it in my house!'


[4 Points] Throwthrow666:

It's not just the "singing of the package". If the only evidence they have against you is that you received a package with illegal goodies inside, then you cannot be charged with anything. Law enforcement usually has a search warrant ready for when you receive the package which allows them to search your house and if you are found with anything, then you will be charged.

The main point is, if the package you are receiving is the only thing they have against you, you can't be charged.


[2 Points] slipstream22:

Solid answers. Thanks.

Signing for it technically puts me in "possession". Which justifies additional warrants, etc for them to investigate further - including a house search.


[1 Points] sr_fuck_you:

Everyone gets hung up on "Signing" for a package. That's not the key thing. The key thing is taking possession of the package and taking it into your hose.

The police will have a search warrant for your house contingent upon you taking the package inside. Whether you have to sign for it or not is basically irrelevant. If they find anything incriminating in your house THAT is when you're fucked. Because they nail you for what is in your house and what you got shipped.

If they search your house and it's clean they're more likely to tip their hats and say "sorry sir" and leave. I'm sure they could still pursue you, but at that point it would likely be more trouble than it's worth.


[1 Points] OmgNaro:

Why not just tell the guy "Hmm i dont remember ordering this package, but its made out to me i wonder whats in it. I endered a couple online contests with my name and address so maybe thats it"

Just a thought


[1 Points] None:

[deleted]


[0 Points] muffstuffer567:

I'm no legal expert by any means but it would seem to me that for smaller packages and whatnot this could be feasible but for pounds/kilos I think you would be hard pressed to convince anyone that it was sent as a prank.