Criminal Defense Lawyers

Logan International Airport Money Cash Seizure Lawyers

Fighting for Your Rights: A Guide to Logan Airport Cash Seizures and the Lawyers Who Can Help

Having cash seized at an airport is a nightmare scenario for any traveler. You work hard for your money and plan to use it responsibly, only to have it snatched away at a TSA checkpoint or customs entry. It feels like robbery – except it’s the police, not criminals, taking your cash.This troubling practice is known as civil asset forfeiture. It allows law enforcement to seize property, including large sums of cash, if they suspect it’s tied to criminal activity. The key word being “suspect” – police don’t need to actually prove you committed a crime to take your money. And once it’s seized, the burden of proof falls on you to recover it.This can turn an already stressful airport experience into a full-blown legal nightmare. But if you find yourself in this situation at Boston’s Logan International Airport, don’t panic. There are knowledgeable lawyers who can help you fight to get your money back.

Why Cash Seizures Happen at Logan

Logan Airport is a major international hub, making it a prime location for seizures. Police and federal agents are on high alert for smugglers or people traveling with money related to crime or terrorism. Some reasons your cash may get seized include:

• Carrying over $10,000 without declaring it: You must complete a form if traveling internationally with over $10,000 in cash, checks, money orders, etc. Failure to declare can lead to seizure.
• Acting suspiciously: If TSA or customs agents think you look or act nervous, they may flag you for additional screening. This gives them a chance to find and seize undeclared cash.
• Drug dog alert: Police K-9 units trained to detect drugs are used in airports. If a dog signals your bag or cash, it can lead to seizure even if no drugs are found.
• Appearing to fit a smuggler “profile:” There are certain red flags like buying a one-way ticket or only carrying cash that make agents suspect illegal activity.
• Tips or investigations: You may be under surveillance or someone could have tipped off authorities about you carrying cash. This information prompts scrutiny of your bags.
• Random selection: TSA and customs have broad authority to pull anyone for additional searches. You may just be unlucky.

The Legalities of Logan Airport Cash Seizures

There are several laws and government agencies that regulate cash seizures at Logan and other airports:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): CBP officers stationed at all U.S. entry points, including Logan, can seize undeclared cash over $10,000 being transported internationally under the Bank Secrecy Act.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA): The TSA oversees security for all domestic flights. They have authority to seize cash during passenger screening if agents believe it is tied to illegal activity.
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): DEA agents operate at airports looking for potential drug money laundering. Large amounts of cash may be seized as suspected drug proceeds.
• Asset forfeiture laws: Both federal and Massachusetts laws allow cash seizures if it is suspected – but not proven – that the money is related to criminal activity or terrorism.

Getting Experienced Legal Help After a Logan Airport Cash Seizure

If you have cash seized at Logan Airport, fighting to get it back can be extremely difficult without legal help. Here are some ways an experienced attorney can assist you:

• Act quickly to meet deadlines: There are strict filing deadlines, often just 30-60 days, to contest a seizure. An attorney ensures the right forms get submitted on time.
• Negotiate with authorities: In some cases, a lawyer may be able to negotiate with CBP, TSA or other agencies to settle on a cash return, avoiding court.
• Challenge improper procedures: If agents didn’t follow protocol or violated your rights, a lawyer can demand the seizure be voided and cash returned.
• Prove lawful origins of cash: You must show authorities the money comes from legal work, investments, etc. Your lawyer can gather documents and build a strong case.
• Argue against unreasonable seizure: Even if cash is “suspicious,” a lawyer can fight in court that seizure still requires constitutional probable cause.
• Dispute unfair profiling: If agents seized cash based on crude profiling rather than hard evidence, an attorney can call this out.
• File a federal lawsuit: If administrative petitions fail, a lawyer may file a claim in federal court demanding the cash be returned due to violations of your rights.

Logan Airport Cash Seizure Lawyers Ready to Help

There are excellent attorneys in the Boston area who regularly help travelers fight cash seizures at Logan Airport. Here are a few to consider contacting:

Brett V. Beaubien

A former Suffolk County prosecutor, Brett Beaubien understands both sides of asset forfeiture cases. He aggressively defends clients against seizures by TSA, CBP, DEA and other agencies at Logan Airport.

Geoffrey G. Nathan

Geoffrey Nathan is one of the nation’s most experienced lawyers in defending cash seizures at airports and other venues. He has successfully fought for return of money seized from travelers across the U.S. for over 20 years.

Robert M. Griffin

Robert Griffin is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who handles many Logan Airport cash seizure cases. He leverages his strong relationships with prosecutors to negotiate favorable settlements for clients.

Terrence Kennedy

A former JAG attorney and federal prosecutor, Terrence Kennedy has an inside understanding of asset forfeiture. His firm has successfully defended cash seizure cases nationwide, including many seizures at Logan Airport.

Don’t Let Them Take Your Cash Without a Fight

Losing cash to a questionable seizure at Logan Airport is incredibly frustrating. But with the right legal help, you can fight back and regain your wrongfully taken money.If you’ve had a cash seizure nightmare at Logan, don’t delay – contact an experienced attorney immediately. An expert lawyer can strategically challenge the seizure and hold law enforcement accountable for violating your rights. With persistence and skill, they can help you recover your hard-earned cash. Don’t let it disappear into the abyss of civil asset forfeiture.