Baltimore/Washington
International Airport (BWI) Cash Seizure Lawyer

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) Cash Seizure Lawyer

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) Cash Seizure Attorney

Facing an Arrest? Call the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC.

Traveling through BWI Airport is a routine experience for many people, but for travelers carrying significant amounts of cash, it can quickly become stressful and legally complex if their funds are seized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If your money has been confiscated, you need a Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) cash seizure lawyer to help you navigate the legal processes and work toward getting your funds returned.

Cash seizures at airports are a serious matter, and individuals who find themselves in this situation may feel confused and overwhelmed. That’s why the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, are ready to pursue justice on your behalf and recover your money.

Why Cash Seizures Happen at BWI Airport

Cash seizures at Baltimore/Washington International Airport often occur due to misunderstandings about federal reporting laws, customs regulations, or suspicions of illicit activity. One of the most common reasons for these seizures is the failure to declare cash amounts over a certain amount when entering or leaving the country. CBP officers are tasked with enforcing these regulations, and even innocent mistakes can lead to serious consequences.

Some of the most frequent causes of cash seizures at BWI include:

Failure To Declare Large Cash Amounts. The law requires travelers to fill out form CBP 6059B when they are carrying more than $10,000 in cash or other monetary instruments, such as cashier’s checks or traveler’s checks, when entering or leaving the United States. Failure to declare can lead to an immediate seizure by customs officials, even if the money is legitimate.
Suspicion of Criminal Activity. CBP officers have the authority to confiscate cash if they suspect it is related to illegal activities, like money laundering, drug trafficking, or other criminal enterprises. Even if the money is legally earned, carrying large sums of cash without a clear explanation or evidence of its source may raise red flags, prompting customs to take action.
Inaccurate Documentation. Errors in paperwork or miscommunication with customs officials can lead to cash seizure.

The Seizure Process at BWI Airport

When CBP officers seize cash at BWI, they issue a Notice of Seizure and Information to Claimants. This document outlines the reasons for the seizure and provides details about how to respond if you wish to contest the action.

The notice also includes information about the legal basis for the seizure, which is usually tied to laws regarding undeclared currency or suspicions of illicit activity.

The process that follows a cash seizure can be complex, but there are a few general options for how you can respond:

File a Petition for Remission or Mitigation.
File a Claim for Judicial Forfeiture.
Negotiate a Settlement.

Because the process to recover your money requires timeliness and detailed understanding of customs laws and procedures, the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, are ready to take care of the legal aspects on your behalf.

Why You Need a BWI Cash Seizure Lawyer

Navigating the complexities of cash seizure laws without legal assistance is risky. Our BWI cash seizure lawyers can provide critical support in these situations and help you with the following:

Understanding Your Rights. One of the first things our lawyers can do is explain your rights and the legal implications of your situation. Understanding how to move forward is vital to protecting your financial interests.
Ensuring Timely Responses. After a cash seizure, there are strict deadlines for responding to CBP’s Notice of Seizure. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your money permanently. Our attorneys can ensure all paperwork is filed on time and your case is efficiently handled.
Building a Strong Case. Whether you are filing a petition for remission, requesting judicial forfeiture, or negotiating with CBP, our lawyers can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your case. This may include bank statements, tax records, or other documentation showing the legitimate source of your funds.
Navigating Legal Proceedings. If you choose to take your case to court, our attorneys can represent your interests, argue your case before a judge, and handle the complex legal processes involved in a civil forfeiture case.

FAQs About Baltimore, Washington International Airport (BWI) Cash Seizure Laws

How Can I Prove That My Cash Was Seized?

To prove that your cash was seized, you should reference the Notice of Seizure issued by CBP, which provides documentation of the confiscated funds. This notice includes details about the amount of money taken, the date, and the reason for the seizure. Contact our office immediately if you are facing a cash seizure at BWI Airport.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Cash Seizure Case at BWI Airport?

The timeline for resolving a cash seizure case can vary depending on the complexity of the case and how quickly the CBP processes your paperwork. Some cases can take several months, while others can take up to a year. Legal representation can help expedite the process by ensuring all required paperwork is filed correctly and promptly.

Are Criminal Charges Likely if My Cash Is Seized at BWI?

You are unlikely to face criminal charges for carrying too much cash at BWI; however, if the circumstance surrounding the seizure leads to a criminal investigation, you could face charges if the money is tied to criminal activity. In these cases, criminal charges may be filed alongside civil forfeiture proceedings.

How Much Cash Can You Legally Carry in the U.S.?

You are legally allowed to carry any amount of cash you wish within the border of the United States, but if you are entering or leaving the country with more than $10,000 in currency or monetary equivalents, you must declare it to CBP. Failing to do so can result in the seizure of your funds, even if they were lawfully obtained.

If you are facing the legal consequences of a cash seizure, don’t wait to take action. The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, are ready to help you navigate your way through each step and can fight for you and the recovery of your funds. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let’s get to work.

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