Criminal Defense Lawyers

Midway International Airport Money Cash Seizure Lawyers

Midway International Airport Money Cash Seizure Lawyers: Your Guide to Getting Your Money Back

Having your cash seized at Midway International Airport can be an incredibly stressful and confusing situation. Many travelers are unaware of the laws surrounding traveling with large amounts of cash and are shocked when federal agents suddenly confiscate their money.This article will provide an overview of the cash seizure process at Midway, the relevant laws you need to know, and most importantly, how an experienced lawyer can help you get your money back. We’ll discuss common defenses, negotiation strategies, and the step-by-step process for recovering your seized assets.

Why Does Cash Get Seized at Midway Airport?

Federal agencies like the DEA, FBI, TSA, and Customs closely monitor passenger activity at all major airports, including Midway. They have the authority under federal law to seize cash if they suspect it is:

• Connected to illegal drug activity
• Being transported to fund terrorism
• Involved in money laundering schemes
• Gained through other criminal activity

Often, agents will question passengers about the source of large amounts of cash found in their luggage or on their person. They may bring in drug-sniffing dogs to detect traces of narcotics on the money. If they aren’t satisfied with your answers, they can legally seize your cash on the spot.

The Laws Surrounding Airport Cash Seizures

There are two main laws that grant federal agents the power to seize cash at airports:Civil Asset Forfeiture – This allows cash and property to be taken if there is a mere suspicion of involvement in criminal activity. No criminal charges or conviction are required. The burden of proof is on the individual to prove their money is “innocent.”Failure to Declare $10,000+ – Federal law requires travelers to declare any amount over $10,000 when flying internationally or when flying domestically with a connection outside the U.S. Failing to do so can result in seizure, even if the cash is legitimate.While agents have wide authority to seize cash, that doesn’t mean every seizure is legal or justified. An experienced lawyer can analyze the details of your case to determine if the seizure violated your Constitutional rights.

Getting an Experienced Lawyer Involved Immediately

If your cash was seized at Midway Airport, it’s absolutely vital that you contact a lawyer who specializes in these types of cases right away. Here are some key reasons why:

• Strict Deadlines – You only have 30 days from receiving a seizure notice to file a claim contesting it. Miss this deadline and your cash is forfeited automatically.
• Complex Laws – Federal forfeiture laws are dense and complicated. Navigating them requires specific expertise that only a seasoned lawyer possesses.
• Powerful Opponent – You’re up against the formidable resources of federal law enforcement. Having skilled legal advocacy levels the playing field.
• Proven Defenses – Lawyers who handle cash seizure cases regularly have successfully argued common defenses like improper profiling, illegal search/seizure, lack of probable cause, etc.
• Negotiation Experience – Even in tough cases, lawyers can sometimes negotiate a full or partial return of seized cash through their relationships with prosecutors.
• No Upfront Costs – Reputable cash seizure lawyers work on contingency, meaning no attorney fees unless you get your money back.

Having an experienced asset forfeiture lawyer on your side from day one can maximize your chances of defeating seizure and recovering your cash. Don’t go it alone.

Common Defenses in Midway Airport Cash Seizure Cases

While each case has unique details, some of the most effective arguments and defenses cash seizure attorneys routinely employ include:

• Lack of probable cause – Agents did not have sufficient proof that the cash was tied to specific criminal activity. Their reasons for seizing it were vague, subjective, or unsupported by evidence.
• Improper profiling – Agents singled you out based on discriminatory factors like race, ethnicity, age, or gender rather than objective, permissible criteria.
• Illegal search & seizure – Agents searched you or your bags without consent, a warrant, or probable cause, violating your 4th Amendment rights.
• Innocent ownership – The cash was legally obtained and you had no knowledge of any intended illegal use. Proves the “innocence” of the seized assets.
• Excessive fine – The seizure grossly outweighs the alleged offense, violating the 8th Amendment.
• Failure to provide notice – Agents did not properly inform you of the seizure or provide instructions for contesting it.
• Negligent handling of cash – Agents did not follow protocols for counting, documenting, and storing seized cash, compromising its integrity as evidence.

Step-by-Step Process for Recovering Seized Cash

If you obtain skilled legal help immediately, recovering your seized assets will typically involve the following steps:1. Thorough case review – Your attorney will interview you to gather documents and evidence about the source of the cash, reasons for travel, seizure details, etc.2. Filing a claim – Within 30 days, your attorney will formally contest the seizure by filing a claim with the seizing agency (usually the DEA or FBI).3. Case investigation – Your lawyer will issue subpoenas, Freedom of Information Act requests, and conduct witness interviews to build your case.4. Identify defenses – Based on investigation, your lawyer will determine which legal defenses apply to your case and argue why seizure was unlawful.5. Settlement negotiation – Your attorney will first try to resolve the case through negotiating a full or partial settlement with prosecutors.6. Litigation – If settlement fails, your lawyer will file a court action and aggressively litigate the forfeiture case before a federal judge.7. Return of funds – If the court rules in your favor, the seizing agency will be ordered to return your seized cash with interest.With an experienced attorney fighting on your behalf, many people are able to recover some or all of their seized airport cash. Don’t let the government confiscate your hard-earned money without a fight.

Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights

If you had cash seized at Midway International Airport recently, take action without delay to give yourself the best chance of getting it back.