Criminal Defense Lawyers

Cash Money Seizure Lawyer- How to Handle DEA, Airport and Customs Border Cash Seizure

Cash seizure refers to the confiscation of a person’s money by government agencies. Typically, it is the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and the customs authorities that conduct cash seizure operations. Cash confiscation aims to deter crime before it happens or to deprive people of the proceeds of crime.

Although the rationale behind cash seizure is noble, there are many times when this civil procedure is misused to the detriment of ordinary citizens. People have given up on money they acquired legally merely because they did not wish to challenge the authorities. Fortunately, this does not have to be the case for you. If you are facing imminent cash seizure, it is vital to contact an attorney promptly to avoid losing your money. Here is all you need to know about different cash seizures and how you can fight them.

DEA Cash Money Seizure

The DEA can seize your money if you happen to be carrying abnormally large amounts of cash. The suspicion is always that you are either transporting proceeds of drug trafficking or that you intend to use the money to purchase drugs. This is because cash transactions, unlike credit card or bank transactions, are virtually impossible to track, and criminals can get away with their actions by sticking to paper money deals.

The DEA can search your possessions anywhere as long as they have probable cause to do so. Typically, this will be during routine traffic checks and at the airport. Some characteristics they look for in individuals before conducting searches include:

• Purchasing a one-way ticket, especially using cash
• Flying to California or Colorado, both of which are states where marijuana is legal
• Not making any accommodation plans
• Not having a confirmable source of income
• Having a previous record of drug-related offenses
• Carrying the money in a concealed manner
• Being a male between 18 and 40 years of age

If you fit this profile, there’s a good chance that the DEA will stop you for an inspection. Should they find a lot of cash on you, they can invoke the law to seize it and deposit in the Asset Forfeiture Fund.

Airport Cash Seizure

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

Load more

Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

The TSA is yet another agency empowered to seize cash from travelers in airports. Generally, it is not illegal to carry as much money as you please within the United States. However, some amounts can be far too high as to arouse suspicion of money laundering or drug trafficking. When TSA agents search your luggage and discover that you are carrying too much money, they will confiscate it. You will then need to initiate administrative or judicial proceedings to reclaim your money.

Customs and Borders Cash Seizure

You can also have your cash seized by customs and borders officials. By law, a person traveling into or out of the USA with more than $10, 000 must declare it to the authorities. Failure to do this will result in the seizure of the money, and the person can only get it back after a successful administrative or judicial petition for return.

What to Do If Your Cash is Seized

The first thing you should do after your money is seized is to contact an attorney. The first few hours are tremendously important because the attorney can ask that any evidence about the seizure be preserved. This will come in handy when you challenge the government for depriving you of your money.

After the seizure, you have two options. The first is to petition the agency to return your money. This rarely ever works since the authorities are effectively judges in their cases. The second, more productive path is to challenge the actions of the agency in a court of law. The judicial procedure is fairer since the matter is decided by an impartial judge.

To win a court case against an agency, you have to prove that the money in your possession was legally acquired and that you did not intend to use it for the commission of a crime. As long as you prove this to a reasonable level, there is a good chance that the court will order the agency to return it to you. Your best chance of winning such a case is to hire an expert attorney in cash seizure matters.

Conclusion

The keys to winning a cash seizure case are prompt action and getting top-notch legal representation. With an experienced lawyer by your side, it is possible to take on authorities in court and get your money back. If you have a cash seizure case, don’t hesitate to contact a specialist lawyer. You will not regret it