Can i be held accountable for the items being delivered through my courier service?
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Can i be held accountable for the items being delivered through my courier service?
Basically I would like to step up a PO box and an online service in which people can have online purchases delivered to my PO box, then I collect their delivery and bring it to them where/when ever suits them. I believe it would be an ideal service for someone who wants to order a gift for someone they live with and is afraid that person would open it something along those lines. However, what if someone were to use my service to order something illegal, how accountable would I, the courier, be for this? And what steps, if any, can I take to not be held accountable?
Asked on April 1, 2017 under Criminal Law, Alaska
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
You would only be liable if you knew or had some reason to know (e.g. based on behavior, comments, the nature and frequency of deliveries, and/or who is using your service [e.g. are they someone known to be a drug user or dealer?]) that your service was being used for contraband. To better protect yourself, have all customers execute or sign an agreement that they acknowledge that your service may not be used in violation of any law, including but not limited to receiving stolen goods or controlled dangerous substances, and further that you have the right to cancel the service at will, subject only to refunding any unused payments--and then, if you do become suspicious, use that authority to stop receiving for the person.
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