Chicago
O’Hare Airport
Cash Seizure Attorney

Chicago O’Hare Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

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

Traveling through Chicago O’Hare International Airport can be a hectic experience, especially if you are faced with the unexpected stress of a cash seizure. If you find yourself in such a predicament, seeking help from a Chicago O’Hare, IL Airport cash seizure lawyer is crucial. Cash seizures at airports can happen for various reasons, and understanding your rights and legal options is essential to protecting your assets.

Understanding Cash Seizures at Airports

Cash seizures at airports tend to happen when authorities believe the money is connected to criminal activity such as drug trafficking or money laundering. If authorities have probable cause to believe your cash is connected to a crime, the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act allows them to take it. Authorities can seize your cash before you have been proven guilty of any wrongdoing.

Reasons for Cash Seizures

There are a number of reasons why the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would seize cash at Chicago O’Hare Airport. It is important to understand these reasons so you can avoid them, as well as know what to do if your cash is taken. Some of the more common reasons for a CBP seizure include:

Large Amounts of Cash: While it is perfectly legal to travel with large sums of money, failing to declare amounts in excess of $10,000 when traveling into or out of the country can bring unwanted scrutiny from not only airport security but also federal and local law enforcement.
Suspicious Behavior: Behavior that appears suspicious to airport security, such as nervousness or inconsistent statements about the source and purpose of the cash, can prompt further investigation and potential seizure of funds.
Travel Patterns: Regular travel to and from nations where there is a significant concentration of drug trafficking or money laundering may also lead to investigations and possible cash seizures by law authorities.

Defending Against Cash Seizure

It takes a calculated strategy and in-depth knowledge of asset forfeiture regulations to fight against a cash seizure. Some typical defenses in these situations are listed below. Understanding your options can have a big effect on how things work out.

Legal Representation: Help from an experienced Chicago O’Hare Airport cash seizure lawyer who is familiar with Illinois asset forfeiture laws is necessary if you want to successfully challenge the seizure of your money. A good lawyer can collect evidence, file motions, and present your case to a judge in order to get your money back.
Proving Legitimate Source: This may involve providing documentation such as bank statements, business records, or affidavits from individuals who can attest to the lawful origin of the cash.
Protocol Infractions: Bringing legal action against law enforcement for procedural infractions can also be a successful defense. Your money might be returned if the authorities didn’t follow the right procedures during the seizure, such as not giving you enough warning or handling the evidence improperly.

Legal Process for Cash Seizure

An owner is notified and given a receipt when cash is seized at Chicago O’Hare. Administrative forfeiture is often the next step for amounts under $500,000. The owner has a short window of time to challenge this process. Under judicial forfeiture, the government must establish the illicit link of cash for instances involving more than $500,000 or in cases that are challenged.

Impact of Cash Seizure

A cash seizure could have serious, immediate consequences on your financial well-being. Being aware of those consequences can allow you to prepare for and respond to them. Here are some of the adversities you may face.

Financial Hardship: The very real consequence of your cash seizure could simply be that you lose access to money you are relying on for business purposes, to pay bills, or for travel.
Legal Costs: Legal fees, such as attorney fees and possible court costs, are associated with defending against a cash seizure. However, hiring a knowledgeable attorney can substantially improve your chances of getting your money back.
Long-term Consequences: Even if you are able to get your money back, the incident may have long-term effects on you, like increased scrutiny on future trips.

Steps to Take After a Cash Seizure

FAQs

Q: Can The Airport Seize Your Money?

A: Yes, airport authorities can seize your money if your money is believed to be related to drug trafficking or money laundering. CBP can target travelers who fail to declare more than $10,000 on arrival or departure or when there is otherwise probable cause for illegal use. An attorney can help you navigate this issue.

Q: What Happens to Money Seized By the TSA?

A: Money seized is generally held by police as evidence pending completion of the investigation. If the money is found to be linked to criminal activity, it will be forfeited to the government without return, and the person who owned it never gets it back.

If the person can plead his case to prove it was not related to criminal activity during a court case, the money is returned to him.

Q: How Much Cash Is Suspicious To TSA?

A: While such amounts are not illegal for travelers to be carrying, carrying amounts over $10,000 raises red flags for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other law enforcement authorities – especially if the traveler is nervous or uncooperative. Amounts over $10,000 must be reported to Customs when traveling into or out of the United States.

Q: What Are My Rights If My Money Is Seized?

A: You have a right to a receipt when your money is taken, as well as to be notified of the seizure. You also have the right to contest the seizure by filing a claim and presenting evidence that the money is legally obtained. You also have the right to legal counsel to guide you through the complexities of asset forfeiture laws who will guarantee that your rights are upheld at every turn.

Contact a Chicago O’Hare Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, dealing with a cash seizure can be a daunting experience. However, you may navigate the legal system, defend your rights, and attempt to get your confiscated funds back with the assistance of an experienced Chicago O’Hare, IL Airport cash seizure lawyer. Our legal team at the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, can help you better prepare for this difficult scenario. Contact us today to book a consultation.

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