Criminal Defense Lawyers

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Money Cash Seizure Lawyers

Getting Your Money Back: A Guide to Fighting Cash Seizures at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Having cash seized by federal agents at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport can be scary, stressful, and confusing. One minute you’re going through security or customs, the next your life savings are gone. But there is hope – with the right lawyer by your side, many people are able to recover most or all of their seized money.This article will walk you through everything you need to know, including:

• Why cash seizures happen at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
• The laws allowing agents to take your money
• Finding a lawyer to fight for your rights
• The process for challenging the seizure
• Negotiating with the seizing agency
• Taking your case to court if needed
• And more…

Let’s get started.

Why Cash Seizures Happen at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

Federal agents at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport have broad authority to seize cash and monetary instruments if they suspect it is:

• Connected to illegal activity like drug trafficking or money laundering
• Being smuggled out of the U.S. without proper declaration
• Structured to avoid reporting requirements
• Going to support terrorism or other criminal activity

This power comes from federal laws like the Bank Secrecy Act and USA PATRIOT Act, as well as Department of Homeland Security policies. Agents with agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) routinely patrol the airport looking for suspicious travelers or luggage.Often the seizure happens quickly, without warning. You may be pulled aside for additional screening, then have cash taken from your bag or person. Some reasons it could occur:

• You’re carrying over $10,000 cash internationally without declaring it
• A drug-sniffing dog alerted agents to your bag or cash
• You appear nervous or can’t clearly explain where the money came from
• Agents think you are deliberately keeping cash amounts under $10,000 to avoid reporting requirements

No matter the reason, it’s a scary situation. But an experienced lawyer can help you get your money back.

Finding an Attorney to Fight for Your Rights

If your cash was seized at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, don’t delay – contact a lawyer immediately. Look for an attorney experienced in federal asset forfeiture and cash seizure cases.Key things a qualified lawyer will do:

• Review the details of your case and help determine the best course of action
• Send notice to the seizing agency that you are contesting the seizure
• Request court action to make the agency file a forfeiture complaint
• Negotiate aggressively with prosecutors for return of the full amount
• Fight in court if negotiations are unsuccessful

It is especially important to hire a lawyer quickly because strict deadlines apply if you want to challenge the seizure. Don’t try to handle this on your own. An experienced attorney knows the system and how to build the strongest case.

The Process for Challenging the Seizure

With an attorney’s help, the process for challenging a cash seizure at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport usually includes:1. Sending Written NoticeYour lawyer will immediately send notice to the seizing agency (CBP, DEA, etc) that you are contesting forfeiture of the seized cash. This preserves your rights.2. Requesting Court ActionNext, your attorney will file a claim demanding judicial action in U.S. District Court. This forces the seizing agency to either return the cash or file a civil forfeiture complaint against it within 90 days.3. Reviewing DiscoveryDuring this stage, your lawyer can review evidence through discovery. This includes financial records, airport surveillance footage, and information on how agents handled the seizure. Evidence can help prove the lawful source of the cash.4. Negotiating with ProsecutorsMany cash seizure cases resolve through settlement negotiations between your lawyer and federal prosecutors. The goal is getting back as much of the seized money as possible.5. Going to Court if NeededIf prosecutors won’t settle, your attorney can aggressively litigate the forfeiture action in court. Before a federal judge, the government has the burden of proving the cash is subject to forfeiture. With an experienced lawyer, many people prevail at trial.The process can take several months to over a year depending on the complexity of your case. Throughout, an attorney knowledgeable in forfeiture law can protect your rights and work toward the best resolution.

Negotiating with the Seizing Agency

Most cash seizure cases at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport end up settling through negotiations between the property owner’s lawyer and federal prosecutors.An experienced attorney will aggressively negotiate for return of the full cash amount. Unlike criminal plea bargains, you have strong negotiating power in civil forfeiture cases. Some key points your lawyer can leverage:

• The government has the burden of proving the cash is connected to criminal activity – is their evidence weak?
• Are there any procedural problems with how the seizure was handled?
• Can you show the cash comes from 100% legal sources like savings, business income, or gifts?
• Does forfeiture of the entire amount violate Constitutional protections against excessive fines?

Skilled cash seizure lawyers know how to craft persuasive arguments and negotiate strategically with prosecutors. Many are able to convince the government to give back most or all of the seized cash through settlements.

Taking Your Case to Court

If prosecutors refuse reasonable settlement offers, the next step is taking the forfeiture case to court. Your lawyer will aggressively litigate before a federal judge to defeat the government’s claims.Some key litigation strategies an experienced attorney can use:

• File a motion to dismiss the complaint if the government’s allegations are vague or lack sufficient evidence of wrongdoing
• Argue the forfeiture violates Constitutional rights like due process or protection against excessive fines
• Present evidence about the lawful source of the cash, like bank statements, paystubs, or sworn statements
• Challenge if agents followed proper procedures during the seizure, like counting the cash correctly

The government has the burden of proof in civil forfeiture cases. With an experienced litigator making strong legal and factual arguments on your behalf, many people prevail in getting their money back through litigation.

Why You Should Never Delay Getting a Lawyer

Time is of the essence when fighting cash seizures at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Federal agencies move quickly to forfeit seized assets.You have just a short window after receiving a Notice of Seizure to contest it. And strict deadlines apply once court proceedings begin. That’s why it’s critical to contact a lawyer immediately.An experienced attorney also knows how to quickly gather evidence and build the strongest case possible. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of recovering your seized cash.Don’t let the government profit from your hard-earned money. Call an experienced cash seizure lawyer right away if federal agents seize your cash at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. With an attorney fighting aggressively on your behalf, you can get your savings returned.

Additional Resources:

• ACLU Guide to Fighting Civil Asset Forfeiture
• Find a Lawyer – American Bar Association
• Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, U.S. Department of Justice