Traveling can be stressful enough without the added anxiety of losing money to airport authorities. If you have to travel with a large amount of money, you may find yourself asking, “What should I do if my cash is seized at the airport?” This situation can be confusing and overwhelming, but understanding the steps to take can help you navigate this challenging experience and hopefully prevent it from happening altogether.
Stay Calm and Compliant:
First, relax. It’s natural to feel a sudden rush of panic or frustration, but it will only hurt you to let those emotions take control. Second, cooperate with the authorities. This doesn’t mean that you have to provide an incriminating statement, but giving the police any reason to distrust you by arguing or resisting won’t help your case.
In general, after authorities seize cash, you’ll be given some receipt, notice of seizure, or other paperwork documenting the event and the contact information relevant to tracking the proceeding. Keep this document safe.
Understand the Reason for the Seizure:
Taking the time to fully understand why your cash was seized is crucial. There are several reasons why airport authorities might confiscate your money. Common reasons include carrying large sums of cash, having travel patterns that raise red flags, or displaying suspicious behavior.
Huge Sums of Money
Carrying large sums of cash is not prohibited while going abroad, but amounts above $10,000 must be declared. Your money may be seized if you do not do this.
Routes of Travel
Regular travel to and from nations with high rates of money laundering or drug trafficking may potentially draw attention and result in cash seizures.
Unusual Conduct
Authorities may target you and possibly seize your money if you seem uneasy, give contradictory answers about where or why you have the money, or behave suspiciously in other ways.
Immediate Steps to Take:
After your cash has been seized, there are immediate steps you should take to improve your chances of recovering your money. Failure to follow these steps might mean your cash is lost forever.
- Contact a Lawyer: One of the first things you should do is call an airport cash seizure lawyer with experience in these matters to help you navigate the legal process, collect the proper paperwork, and represent your interests.
- Gather Documentation: You should begin collecting any evidence that might show the legitimate source of your money, such as bank statements, business records, receipts, or affidavits from individuals who can testify to the lawful source of your money.
- Make a Claim: You can submit a claim to the relevant authorities with the help of your lawyer. In order to fight the seizure, you must provide comprehensive information regarding the source and intended use of the funds.
The Legal Process:
The legal process after a cash seizure is most helpful if you understand how it works. The general process flows as follows:
Notification and Seizure
If your cash has been seized, you should be given a receipt or notice that tells you what has happened. It’s important to keep the record for yourself so you know what’s going on and what to do next.
Administrative Forfeiture
If the amount seized is less than $500,000, the case gets treated first as an administrative forfeiture. The government sends notice to the owner of the property, who then has a limited time to contest the seizure.
Judicial Forfeiture
If the amount is more than $500,000 or if the property owner contests the seizure, the case will be transferred to judicial forfeiture, which involves an adversarial court hearing in which the government must show that the cash is criminally connected.
Defending Against Cash Seizure:
A cash seizure must be vigorously contested, and to do so, you need to have a good understanding of forfeiture laws. This is how you should defend yourself if this happens to you.
Proving Legitimate Source – The most important defense is to show that the money is from a legitimate source by showing what it is being used for and where it came from. This may involve showing bank statements, business records, and even affidavits from people who know about the cash and that it is from a lawful source.
Challenging Procedural Violations – Procedural violations by law enforcement can also be a successful defense. If authorities don’t comply with the rules for seizing your money, for example, by not giving timely notice or mishandling evidence, they can be forced to return your funds.
FAQs
Q: Can I Travel with Large Amounts of Cash?
A: Yes, you can travel with a large amount of cash – but if you are traveling internationally, you must declare any amounts over $10,000. If you don’t, your money can be seized. Keep receipts documenting that the cash came from a legitimate source, and be ready to explain its purpose should law enforcement officials ask.
Q: Can You Keep Cash in Your Pocket Going Through Airport Security?
A: Yes, you can keep cash in your pocket when going through airport security, but it is advisable to place it in a carry-on bag to avoid raising suspicion or having it fall out during the screening process. If questioned by TSA, be prepared to explain the source and intended use of the cash.
Q: What Are My Chances of Getting My Money Back?
A: Whether you are going to get your money back depends on the circumstances of the seizure and the strength of your evidence supporting the legitimacy of the funds. Having an experienced lawyer to help you through the process and prove your case can greatly increase the odds of recovering your seized funds.
Q: What Should I Do Immediately After a Cash Seizure?
A: After an airport cash seizure, remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement authorities. Make sure you receive a receipt or notice of seizure and keep it. Contact an experienced airport cash seizure attorney as soon as possible and follow their instructions to prepare the necessary documentation to show the legitimate source of your funds.
Contact an Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer
If your cash has been seized at the airport, chances are you are currently dealing with an extremely stressful and overwhelming experience. You can improve your chances of recovering your money by consulting with a skilled airport cash seizure lawyer from the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC. Book a consultation with us today.
