Buchanan Field Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

Skilled Attorney for Cash Seizures at Concord/East Bay (CCR) Airport

If you have had significant assets taken by authorities at the airport, you may feel powerless. That being said, just because the government has confiscated your cash does not necessarily mean that it is gone forever. A Buchanan Field Airport cash seizure attorney can review your case and come up with a legal strategy suited to your specific situation.

At Spencer & Associates, we have a deep understanding of the state and federal laws that govern civil asset forfeiture proceedings. He has gained a reputation as a strong litigator, as he previously prosecuted over 100 federal cases and defended many clients against allegations involving white collar crime.

Do You Need to Be Charged With a Crime to Have Your Assets Seized at Buchanan Field Airport?

Many travelers are stunned to learn that law enforcement can seize large sums of cash at Buchanan Field Airport (CCR) even if no criminal charges are ever filed. Civil asset forfeiture laws allow the government to take property it claims is connected to criminal activity. The case is brought against the money itself, not necessarily against the person carrying it.

This means you do not have to be arrested, indicted, or convicted for your funds to be seized. Officers may claim that the cash is tied to drug trafficking, money laundering, or other unlawful conduct based on circumstantial factors such as the amount of currency, packaging, travel patterns, or statements made during questioning. Once the money is taken, the burden often shifts to you to take formal legal action to get it back.

At a regional airport like CCR, seizures may involve local law enforcement, federal agents, or joint task forces. In some cases, a state seizure may later be transferred to federal authorities through an adoption process. Regardless of which agency initiates the seizure, strict legal procedures govern how and when you must respond.

How Long Do You Have to Respond to an Airport Cash Seizure at CCR?

Time is not on your side after a cash seizure. In most cases, you have 30 days after being given notice of the seizure to file a claim challenging the forfeiture. The notice typically arrives by mail and outlines the steps required to contest the government's attempt to keep your money.

Failing to respond within the deadline can result in automatic forfeiture. That means the government may permanently retain your funds without ever having to prove its allegations in court. The procedural requirements can be technical, and even minor errors in paperwork may jeopardize your ability to recover the seized assets.

The exact process can vary depending on whether the case proceeds under California law or federal forfeiture statutes. Each system has its own filing requirements, evidentiary standards, and timelines. Acting quickly gives you the opportunity to evaluate your options and preserve your right to challenge the seizure.

How Unreported Assets Could Lead to Cash Seizures

In some airport cases, the government alleges that the money was not properly reported. Under federal law, individuals who transport more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments into or out of the United States must file a Currency and Monetary Instrument Report, commonly referred to as FinCEN Form 105. Failure to comply with cross-border reporting requirements can trigger seizure and forfeiture proceedings.

It is important to understand that the reporting requirement applies to international transportation of funds, not purely domestic travel. However, if authorities believe you are entering or leaving the country with reportable currency and no form was filed, they may seize the money immediately.

Even when reporting rules are not at issue, law enforcement may still claim that large sums of cash are connected to unlawful activity. Carrying cash is not illegal by itself, but officers may rely on surrounding circumstances to justify a seizure. Challenging those assumptions often requires careful documentation and a detailed legal strategy.

Meet With a Concord/East Bay (CCR) Airport Cash Seizure Attorney

If your money was seized at Buchanan Field Airport, you should seek legal guidance as soon as possible. At Spencer & Associates, we understand how disruptive and intimidating a forfeiture action can be, and we are prepared to protect your rights and pursue the recovery of your assets. Call 510-961-6232 or contact our Concord/East Bay (CCR) airport cash seizure attorney to schedule a free consultation.