LAX Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

Experienced Airport Cash Seizure Attorney for Clients in Los Angeles, CA

Getting stopped by government officials and having your assets seized can be a frustrating, stressful experience. However, do not assume that your money is lost forever after it has been seized. A skilled Los Angeles, CA airport cash seizure attorney can explore your options to recover your money in accordance with civil asset forfeiture laws.

At Spencer & Associates, we provide clients with aggressive advocacy and clear guidance in airport cash seizure cases. Attorney Arnold Spencer is an experienced trial lawyer who has represented clients in both state and federal courts, leveraging his many years of legal experience to craft compelling arguments.

Understanding Federal Asset Forfeiture Laws at Airports

Federal agents can seize cash at airports when they suspect it is connected to criminal activity. To act, officers must have probable cause. That means reasonable grounds to believe your money is tied to crimes such as drug trafficking, money laundering, or terrorism financing. At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Customs and Border Protection routinely enforces these rules.

Probable cause can arise from erratic answers about your travel plans, inconsistent documentation, or intelligence linking you to unlawful conduct. Agents may question you about where the funds came from and how you intend to use them. If they are not satisfied, they can take the cash and issue a Notice of Seizure.

Knowing these standards helps you prepare. Carry clear records such as bank statements, receipts, or contracts that trace the path of your funds. If you travel frequently with large sums, consider working with counsel before you depart. Proper planning can reduce the risk of a seizure at LAX.

How Much Cash Can You Bring to LAX?

There is no cap on the amount of cash you may carry domestically. You may travel between U.S. airports with any sum without filing a report. However, law enforcement at LAX can still examine unexplained large amounts if they suspect wrongdoing.

International travel has strict reporting requirements. Any time you enter or leave the country with more than $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments, you must file a Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments (FinCEN Form 105). This applies whether you are arriving at or departing from LAX on a flight abroad or returning to the United States from overseas.

Failing to file Form 105 can lead to seizure of your unreported funds. It may also bring civil penalties or criminal charges. Always file when your total exceeds $10,000, even if you carry multiple currencies or split money among family members. Full disclosure ensures a smoother passage through CBP checkpoints.

What to Do if Your Assets Have Been Seized at LAX

If a CBP officer or federal agent has taken your cash at LAX, you will receive a Notice of Seizure. This document outlines the reasons for the seizure, your right to contest, and the deadline to file an administrative claim. You typically have 30-35 days from the date it is mailed to your address to submit your paperwork.

Our attorney can handle every step of this process for you. We will review the seizure notice, identify any procedural errors, and craft a detailed claim to assert your lawful ownership. We gather bank records, contracts, affidavits, and other proof to show that the money was for legitimate travel, business transactions, or personal expenses. By retaining counsel early, you can avoid common pitfalls involving missing the deadline, filing incomplete forms, or failing to address the government's evidence.

Meet With a Los Angeles, California Airport Cash Seizure Attorney

At Spencer & Associates, we can protect your rights after a seizure at LAX. We will guide you through the administrative claim process, stand by your side at every turn, and push to recover your money swiftly. Call 510-961-6232 or contact our Los Angeles, California airport cash seizure lawyer today.