Mississippi Criminal and Family Law BlogSimple assault is a relatively serious offense in Mississippi, and it may lead to up to six months in jail. However, the penalties for assault crimes vary depending on the victim. If you assault certain people in Mississippi, you face more serious consequences. These “protected individuals” include children, seniors, and police officers. However, postal workers also fall into this general category. Even a “simple assault” on a postal worker can result in federal charges and prison time. If you have been accused of assaulting a mail carrier, you may want to get in touch with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Mississippi as soon as possible.
Mississippi Man Gets 20 Years for Threatening Mail Carrier
Even if you do not physically harm a mail carrier, you could still face decades in prison. In May of 2024, the Justice Department announced that a man from Sledge had been sentenced to 20 years in prison for threatening a mail carrier with an unspecified “dangerous weapon.” The fact that the Justice Department did not specifically state that this was a firearm suggests that it may have been something more along the lines of a baseball bat or knife. The incident occurred in 2022, and the defendant has been in custody since he made the threat.
Man Gets Eight Years for Attacking Mail Carrier in Mississippi
Penalties for attacking a mail carrier seem somewhat inconsistent in Mississippi. In February of 2024, it was reported that a man had been sentenced to eight years in prison for assaulting a female mail carrier. The defendant pleaded guilty to exposing himself to the worker while she was eating her lunch. He also allegedly attempted to rape the victim. Although the postal worker escaped, the defendant physically came into contact with her and attempted to force himself upon her.
Compared to the man who received 20 years for threatening a postal worker, it seems strange that this defendant would receive less than half that sentence for a “real” physical assault. However, the Justice Department did not reveal many details about the threatening incident – and it may have involved various aggravating factors.
Assaulting a Postal Worker is a Federal Offense
Various lawmakers have sought increased protections for postal workers in the United States. This is a response to a reported surge in violence against these individuals. Porch piracy and mail theft have also increased, and the violence is undoubtedly related to these thefts in many cases. Previously, postal workers were not protected to the same level as police officers, first responders, and other “government officials.”
The Justice Department notes that with the amendment of 18 U.S.C 114, all postal service employees were given the same protections as other government officials. However, the Justice Department also states that “it is not intended that the United States Attorney’s Office accept for prosecution such physical abuse cases unless some significant deficiency in the local court remedy is apparent.” In other words, not all assaults on postal workers may be prosecuted as federal offenses.
It is worth noting that aggravated assault in Mississippi carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. This is the same sentence received by the man from Sledge who threatened the postal worker with a deadly weapon. In other words, a federal charge does not necessarily result in more serious consequences for this type of incident. If the man had threatened an average citizen instead of a postal worker, he would have faced the same maximum sentence.
In addition, the same basic defense strategies apply to incidents involving postal workers. An individual still has the right to defend themself against a violent postal worker, for example.
Find an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Mississippi
Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. can assist those who have been accused of carrying out assaults in Mississippi. While the consequences for assaulting a postal carrier are much higher than normal, the same basic defense strategies apply. These include lack of intent, mistaken identity, and self-defense. We have considerable experience with cases involving violent crimes, so book a consultation today to discuss your unique situation in more detail. We will help you get started with a defense strategy.