What To Do if the DEA Seizes Money From Your Business Account

 Posted on October 29, 2025 in Uncategorized

If your business relies on regular cash flow, finding out that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized money from your business account can be devastating. You may not even be accused of a crime when your funds are suddenly frozen or gone. This kind of disruption can threaten everything you have built. Speaking with experienced Houston, TX asset forfeiture defense lawyers can make a difference in protecting your livelihood and getting your money back.

Why Would the DEA Seize a Business Bank Account?

The DEA and other government agencies can seize money when they suspect that money is connected to drug trafficking, money laundering, or other illegal activity. This process is known as civil asset forfeiture, and it does not always require criminal charges. Many seizures happen to legitimate business owners who deal in cash-heavy industries such as restaurants, trucking, or retail.

Federal law, under 21 U.S.C. § 881(a)(6), allows the DEA to take any money believed to be linked to the exchange of controlled substances. Unfortunately, even ordinary deposits that appear "structured" or unusual can trigger suspicion. For example, if your business makes frequent deposits under $10,000, banks must report them, and the DEA might assume you are trying to avoid federal reporting limits.

If your bank receives a seizure warrant, it must freeze the account immediately and turn the funds over to the DEA or U.S. Marshals. You will typically receive a Notice of Seizure and Intent to Forfeit, which starts the countdown for how long you have to respond.

Can the DEA Take Money if You Have Not Been Charged With a Crime?

The DEA can seize your property even if you are never arrested. Civil forfeiture targets the property itself, not you personally. That means the government argues that the money was involved in wrongdoing, not necessarily that you were.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 983(c), the government must show a connection between your money and illegal conduct by a "preponderance of the evidence." This is a lower standard than "beyond a reasonable doubt" used in criminal cases. However, you are entitled to contest the seizure and prove that the money came from lawful sources.

If you fail to file a claim within the deadline, usually 30 days after notice, you may lose your money permanently, even if no charges are ever filed.

What Are Your Options After the DEA Freezes or Seizes Your Account?

Once your account is frozen, you have several legal options to fight back. You can:

• File a claim with the DEA’s Asset Forfeiture Section within the deadline listed in your notice.

• Request judicial review in the U.S. District Court to have your case heard by a federal judge.

• Ask for an early release of funds if your business needs the money for payroll, rent, or other operating costs.

• Work with a defense lawyer to show the money was from legitimate business activity.

Contact a Harris County, TX Asset Forfeiture Attorney Today

If the DEA has seized money from your business account, you need to act quickly to preserve your right to challenge the seizure. Attorney Arnold Spencer has more than 30 years of legal experience representing clients in complex federal forfeiture cases and is known for taking on challenging cases against the DEA. These cases require quick action, strategic defense, and deep knowledge of both state and federal forfeiture law. Contact our experienced Houston, TX asset forfeiture defense lawyer today at 469-283-6126 to begin fighting for your rights and your business.