What is the Legal Definition of Letter Mailing? 

A letter is any mail matter that is addressed to a specific person or place and has been properly stamped, deposited in the United States mail system, and postmarked. It is a very broad term and includes all items of First-Class Mail (letters, postcards, and self-mailers) and Standard Mail (letters, parcels, and self-mailers). 

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The legal definition of a letter also covers postal mail, including the letterboxes, private mailboxes, and post office boxes that people use to receive mail. This includes mail that arrives accidentally, such as when your former roommate’s mailbox is addressed to you. 

It is important to note that a letter must be sent from a physical address, not just a telephone number. This can include your street address, a post office box or a private mailbox that you registered with the Postal Service. 

If you are involved in the development or production of a letter, it is always best to hire an attorney who can help ensure that your message is legally compliant. The law requires that you identify your message as an advertisement, and make sure the recipient knows what you’re talking about. 

For example, in a recent case out of New York, the Court found that an attorney’s affidavit swearing that he caused a letter to be mailed by first-class mail with proof of mailing did not satisfy the statute. If you are concerned about the legality of a particular letter or notice you are sending, contact Stites & Harbison today for a free consultation with an attorney who can assist you in ensuring your compliance with all federal mail laws.