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Logan International Airport Money Cash Seizure Lawyers

Having cash seized at Logan International Airport is a nightmare for any traveler. You work hard for your money and plan to use it, only to have it snatched away at a TSA checkpoint or customs entry. It feels illegal, and you are shocked it’s happening to you.

It feels like robbery – except it’s the police, not criminals, taking your cash.

Understanding Civil Asset Forfeiture at Logan International Airport

This practice is known as civil asset forfeiture. It lets law enforcement take your property, including large sums of cash, if they suspect it’s tied to criminal activity, or if you are carrying unreasonably large amounts of money – for no good reason.

The key word being “suspect” – police do not 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 a stressful airport experience into a full-blown legal problem, requiring the help of expert lawyers. 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 hub, making it a prime location for cash and asset seizures. Police and federal agents are on high alert for smugglers or people traveling with money related to crime or terrorism.

Common Reasons for Cash Seizures at Logan Airport

Some reasons your cash may get seized include:

• Carrying over $10,000 without declaring it: You must complete a FinCEN Form 105 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:

Key Federal Agencies Involved in Airport Cash Seizures

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. TSA itself has no authority to seize cash, but they have authority to detain travelers and refer cases to law enforcement if agents believe cash 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.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Assist with Cash Seizure Cases

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.

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.