Houston Texas Jury Instruction — Theft Of Mail Matter By Postal Service Employee In Houston, Texas, the jury instruction for the theft of mail matter by a postal service employee is a crucial legal guideline that assists the jury in understanding the intricacies and elements of this criminal offense. The instruction outlines the specific actions necessary to establish guilt and provides a framework for the jury to make an informed decision. Keywords: Houston, Texas, jury instruction, theft of mail matter, postal service employee. Types of Houston Texas Jury Instructions — Theft Of Mail Matter By Postal Service Employee: 1. Elements of the Offense: This instruction explains the essential components that must be proven for a postal service employee to be convicted of theft of mail matter. It includes details such as the defendant's status as a USPS employee, their intentional interference with mail, and the nature of stolen mail. 2. Intent: This jury instruction focuses on the mental state of the postal service employee. It elucidates that in order to establish guilt, the prosecution must prove that the employee had the specific intention to steal or unlawfully possess mail matter. 3. Acting Under Color of Office: This instruction clarifies that a postal service employee's actions leading to the theft of mail matter must be connected to their official duties within the USPS. It underscores that the employee should have used their position or authority to gain access to the stolen mail or interfere with its delivery. 4. Knowledge and Possession: This jury instruction highlights that the prosecution must demonstrate the employee's knowledge of the stolen mail's nature and their direct or indirect possession of the mail piece(s) in question. 5. Interstate or Intrastate Mail: In cases where the stolen mail matter crosses state borders, this instruction informs the jury that the offense can be applicable if the theft involves mail communication between different states. It emphasizes the federal jurisdiction aspect of the charge. 6. Value of Mail Matter: This instruction addresses the issue of value, indicating that the stolen mail must possess inherent or monetary value. It explains that the value can be found in the content of the mail, personal information, or items enclosed. 7. Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: This jury instruction stresses the prosecution's burden to prove the postal service employee's guilt beyond any reasonable doubt. It reminds the jury of their responsibility to carefully evaluate the evidence presented in court before reaching a verdict. These various types of Houston Texas Jury Instructions — Theft Of Mail Matter By Postal Service Employee serve as crucial tools in ensuring a fair trial and assisting the jurors in comprehending the legal requirements for convicting a postal service employee of this offense.