Blog
Harry Reid International Airport Money Cash Seizure Lawyers
Contents
Harry Reid International Airport Money Cash Seizure Lawyers
Traveling through Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas can be a fun experience, with the bright lights of the casinos right outside. However, travelers should be aware that carrying large amounts of cash through the airport can lead to potential legal issues. This article will examine what happens when money is seized at Harry Reid International, the relevant laws, and how a lawyer can help if your cash is taken.
Cash Seizures at Harry Reid International
Law enforcement agencies like the DEA, FBI, and local police have broad authority to seize cash at airports if they suspect it is tied to criminal activity like drug trafficking or money laundering. At Harry Reid International, it is not uncommon for drug sniffing dogs to alert agents to luggage containing cash, leading to further investigation and potential seizure[1]. For example, in June 2021 a drug dog alerted to over $20,000 hidden in luggage at Kansas City Airport, which was seized as suspected drug money even though no drugs were found[2].
Large amounts of cash are inherently suspicious to law enforcement in an airport setting. While carrying cash is not itself illegal, if agents believe the money is tied to illegal activity, they can seize it through civil asset forfeiture laws. At Harry Reid International, the DEA, FBI and police are on the lookout for cash they think may be connected to drug trafficking or other crimes.
Laws Regarding Cash at Airports
There are two main federal laws that come into play regarding cash seizures at airports like Harry Reid International:
- Not declaring currency over $10,000 when leaving or entering the U.S., which violates 31 U.S.C. § 5316[1]
- Structuring cash transactions to avoid reporting requirements, which violates 31 U.S.C. § 5324[1]
If agents believe either of these laws have been broken, they can seize the cash under federal civil asset forfeiture laws like 18 U.S.C. § 981 and 31 U.S.C. § 5317[1]. The key is that the government only needs probable cause to believe the cash is tied to a crime, which is a very low legal standard.
In addition to federal laws, Nevada state laws also come into play at Harry Reid International. The state has very broad civil asset forfeiture laws that allow police and prosecutors to take cash and property without ever charging someone with a crime if they suspect it is connected to illegal activity[3].
With the low legal standards of probable cause and preponderance of the evidence, it can be very difficult for travelers to get seized cash back once it is taken. This is why having an experienced lawyer to fight for return of the money is so important.
Defenses Against Cash Seizure
If your cash is seized at Harry Reid International, there are legal defenses a lawyer may use to try and get it returned:
- No evidence of a crime
- Cash has legitimate purpose
- Violation of due process rights
- Illegal search leading to seizure
Showing the cash is clean and not connected to any illegal activity is the main defense. Producing receipts, bank statements, and documentation of where the cash came from and what it was for can show it is legitimate. If there are any problems with how the seizure occurred, such as an improper search, that can also lead to getting the money back.
An experienced cash seizure lawyer knows how to challenge the seizure in court and demand the government prove the cash is actually connected to criminal activity. This can result in getting the cash returned, but it takes legal knowledge and skill to successfully fight back.
How Lawyers Can Help
Having an attorney on your side if cash is seized at Harry Reid International Airport can make a huge difference in getting it returned. Here are some of the key ways a lawyer can help:
- Negotiate return of all or some of the cash
- Challenge seizure in court
- Demand government prove cash is connected to a crime
- Present evidence the cash is legitimate
- Protect legal rights during investigations
- Avoid criminal charges
Experienced cash seizure attorneys know how to navigate the complex civil forfeiture process to put maximum pressure on the government to return seized money. They also know how to gather evidence and present a compelling case that cash was legally obtained. This can force the government to back down from dubious seizures that lack solid evidence of criminal connections.
Having legal representation also prevents travelers from accidentally incriminating themselves during questioning following a cash seizure. This helps avoid criminal charges down the road.
Lawyers further understand the detailed laws and regulations surrounding cash at airports, which allows them to identify any violations of rights or procedures. This can invalidate a seizure and lead to return of the money.
Finding the Right Lawyer
If your cash is seized at Harry Reid International Airport, it is critical to immediately contact an attorney experienced in cash seizure defense. Here are some tips for finding the right lawyer:
- Search for “cash seizure lawyer” or “civil asset forfeiture lawyer”
- Find someone with experience specifically at Harry Reid International Airport
- Look for a lawyer who has gotten cash back in similar cases
- Meet with them for a free initial consultation
- Discuss their fees and case strategy
- Hire someone you feel comfortable with and can trust
Having an aggressive lawyer who knows the system and procedures at Harry Reid International is key. Don’t let the government take your cash without a fight.
Conclusion
Carrying cash always carries some risk of seizure at airports like Harry Reid International. However, an experienced lawyer can help get your money back if it is wrongly taken from you. Be sure to declare amounts over $10,000, avoid any illegal activity, and immediately contact a lawyer if your cash is seized. With the right legal help, you can show the cash is legitimate and have it returned to you.
Sources:
[1] United States v. U.S. $1,317,828