NYC Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

NYC Airport Cash Seizure Attorney

Cash seizures at U.S. airports are more common than you might expect. Numerous federal laws allow agencies to seize large quantities of money if they suspect an illegal activity is connected to the cash. If you have had your money confiscated at any New York City airport, an NYC airport cash seizure lawyer can work with you to obtain this money back.

The Law Office of Jonathan Savella is adept at handling cash forfeiture cases and associated crime investigations, including financial crimes. With over a decade of practice working alongside highly qualified attorneys in New York City at the federal and state level, Jonathan Savella brings a breadth of knowledge and skills that are indispensable to successfully resolving your case.

Reasons for Airport Cash Seizure in New York City

Carrying a large quantity of money when you travel is not inherently illegal. There are, however, several federal laws that make it illegal to profit financially from unlawful activity. For this reason, authorities may proceed to seize your cash.

Bulk cash seizure may occur if any money being transported out of or into a NYC airport is suspected of being connected with any of the following crimes:

• Money laundering
• Drug trafficking
• Financing terrorism
• Cash smuggling

You do not need to be charged with a crime for your cash to be seized at the airport. Law enforcement officials can seize assets through civil assets forfeiture as long as they have probable cause of the cash’s illegal origin or intended illegal use. There may be criminal charges pursued later on if there is enough evidence.

Another reason for cash to be seized at a New York City airport is failure to declare large quantities. Though there are no restrictions on the amount of cash you can carry with you, you are required by law to report any money above $10,000 when entering or leaving the United States.

Steps to Take if Your Cash Has Been Confiscated at an NYC Airport

Dealing with law enforcement can feel intimidating, especially with federal authorities. If you find yourself detained at a New York City airport or if your cash has been confiscated, it is crucial that you remain calm and follow any instructions law enforcement authorities provide to avoid additional issues.

You are afforded rights under the U.S. Constitution, and these rights apply when facing potential federal charges or if your cash has been seized. It is highly advised that you do not provide statements to authorities without the counsel of a knowledgeable attorney.

Even if you are not arrested, if your cash is seized, you should be given a notice of seizure for any money taken by law enforcement. You can fight to obtain any seized cash regardless of whether charges are filed or if you are convicted. It is important to respond to the notice of seizure promptly to avoid forfeiting your cash.

How A NYC Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer Can Help

You should contact an NYC airport cash seizure lawyer as soon as possible, or you may lose your seized cash or be subject to additional criminal charges. A trusted NYC airport cash seizure attorney works diligently to rectify any misunderstanding and resolve your case in the most optimal way possible.

Evaluating Your Case: An attorney evaluates the circumstances of your case, including understanding the facts, assessing probable cause that led to your cash seizure, reviewing charges, and defining the next step to take in your case.

Dealing With Multiple Agencies: A cash seizure case can involve multiple agencies, and a skilled attorney can make it easier to navigate the various procedures for each entity.

Filing Adequate Claims or Responses: You have a limited time to file a civil claim or respond to a notice of seizure. Your attorney can ensure that you promptly act so that you can take advantage of all legal options available to you.

Mounting an Aggressive Defense: If your cash seizure case goes to court, a lawyer can assist in mounting a strong defense, including proving the money was wrongfully seized, that it is not connected to illegal activity, or that there is a case of mistaken identity.

Sometimes authorities get things wrong, and working alongside a criminal defense attorney can afford you the chance to get justice and recuperate your assets.

FAQs

Q: How Much Cash Am I Permitted to Carry With Me at the Airport?

A: You can carry any amount of cash when you travel. If you are carrying over $10,000 in or out of the U.S., you should declare this to Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), or you can face fines and jail time. It is recommended that you consult an attorney if you are unsure whether you may face repercussions for carrying large amounts of cash.

Q: Can Airports Seize Your Cash?

A: Authorities at airports can seize your cash if there is suspicion that this cash is associated with a criminal activity like money laundering, drug trafficking, or terrorism finance. Your cash can also be confiscated if you are traveling within or outside the United States with more than $10,000 and have not properly declared these assets.

Q: How Do You Get Seized Money Back From the Airport?

A: To get seized money back from the airport, it is necessary to promptly respond to the notice of seizure as soon as you receive it. You may also be able to file a civil claim with a U.S. district court if you are not facing criminal charges concerning the cash seizure.

Q: How Long Is a Cash Seizure Case in New York City?

A: Once you are given notice of a cash seizure, you will have a certain amount of time to respond to the notice or to file a civil claim for a civil assets forfeiture to try and recover your property. How long it will take to resolve your case will depend on the circumstances of your case or if you have pending criminal charges.

Speak With a Trusted NYC Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer Today

The Law Office of Jonathan Savella can provide legal counsel if you have had your cash seized at an NYC airport. We evaluate each case thoroughly and look for the most suitable path forward to resolving your case. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help.