Austin–Bergstrom International Airport Money Cash Seizure Lawyers
Getting Your Money Back After It Was Seized at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport
Having your money seized by law enforcement at the airport can be a scary, frustrating situation. But with the right legal help, many people are able to get their seized cash returned. This article will explain what to do if your money is taken at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
Act Quickly to Contest the Seizure
If your cash or property is seized by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), you only have 35 days to file a claim contesting the seizure. For seizures by TSA, it’s 30 days. So it’s crucial to act fast and contact a lawyer immediately after the airport seizure happens. An experienced attorney can help make sure your claim is filed properly and on time.Missing the short deadline means you lose your right to fight the seizure. So getting a lawyer involved right away is key. Don’t let the chance to contest the seizure slip away.
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When you file a claim, you’ll need to provide details on where the cash came from and why you had it. Gathering evidence like bank statements, receipts, business records, etc. can show your money is from legitimate sources.If the cash is savings for a major purchase, collect documentation around that. If it’s business earnings, compile records demonstrating that. The more proof you have, the better.
Todd Spodek
Lead Attorney & Founder
Featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd Spodek brings decades of high-stakes criminal defense experience. His aggressive approach has secured dismissals and acquittals in cases others deemed unwinnable.
You were flying out of Austin–Bergstrom International Airport for a family vacation when TSA flagged your carry-on bag containing $42,000 in cash you had saved over several years. DEA agents were called over, questioned you for 45 minutes, and ultimately seized all of your money under civil asset forfeiture laws, giving you only a receipt and a pamphlet.
Can the government really just take my cash at the airport without charging me with a crime, and how do I get it back?
Yes, under federal civil asset forfeiture laws, agencies like the DEA can seize cash they suspect is connected to illegal activity — even without filing criminal charges against you. However, you have important rights: under the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act (CAFRA), the government must send you a written notice of seizure within 60 days, and you then have 35 days to file a verified claim contesting the forfeiture. The burden of proof falls on the government to show by a preponderance of evidence that your money was connected to a crime, and if you can document legitimate sources for the funds — pay stubs, bank withdrawals, tax returns — your chances of recovery improve significantly. An experienced forfeiture attorney familiar with the Western District of Texas federal court can file your claim promptly and negotiate with the U.S. Attorney's office, which often results in a full or partial return of seized funds.
This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.
Point Out Any Mishandling of the Seizure
During interactions with CBP, TSA, or other authorities, note if they make any procedural mistakes or constitutional violations. Things like failing to read you rights, improper searches, racial profiling, etc. can help show the seizure was invalid.Discuss any oversight or misconduct with your attorney. They can use those facts to argue the seizure should be overturned and demand your money back.
