Monterey (MRY) Airport Cash Seizure Attorney

Reliable Lawyer for Clients Contesting Cash Seizures at California's Monterey Airport

Navigating airports can be stressful in any situation. However, traveling with large sums of money may invite scrutiny from TSA and other government organizations. If these agencies believe that your money is tied to unlawful activity, they can seize it. While simple mistakes, misconceptions, and misunderstandings can lead the government to take your property, it does not mean your money is gone forever. A Monterey airport cash seizure attorney can help you dispute the forfeiture of your assets.

At Spencer & Associates, our legal team has over three decades of legal experience, and we will work to aggressively and diligently defend your rights. Our airport cash seizure lawyer can provide clear guidance on the best course of action to recover your property.

When Can Assets Be Taken at the Airport?

Federal agents, state investigators, and airport police all have jurisdiction to seize cash at any U.S. airport. Under civil asset forfeiture laws, officers can confiscate someone's money if they have reasonable grounds and probable cause to believe it is tied to criminal activity, such as terrorism financing, money laundering, or drug trafficking.

Homeland Security and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are among the most common law enforcement agencies responsible for cash seizures at airports. In an effort to combat the drug trade, the DEA claims that it looks for specific behavior and traits that are common among people who carry cash that is related to drug crimes, including:

• The traveler is a male between the ages of 18 and 40
• The traveler buys a one-way ticket
• The person buys their airline ticket with cash
• The person buys their ticket the same day or within three days of traveling
• The person who purchased the ticket has a criminal record
• The traveler is from or heading to a state where marijuana is legal for recreational use

Because the DEA casts such a wide net, it may capture innocent people. By understanding what law enforcement looks for and preparing in advance, you can avoid behavior that may draw unnecessary skepticism.

If government agencies suspect you of unlawful activity, they will likely question you about where your money came from, how you intend to use it, what your travel plans are, and if you have proper documentation. Agents can take your money in the blink of an eye and issue a Notice of Seizure.

If you frequently travel with large sums of money or know in advance that you will, consulting with legal counsel and planning appropriately can help to minimize the risk of forfeiture. If your cash has been seized, our skilled lawyer can work with you to recover what is yours.

Cash Reporting and Recovery Laws at Monterey Regional Airport

Federal law requires people who are carrying over $10,000 in cash to complete a currency reporting form before arrival or departure from the country. This form is officially titled "Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments." Failure to complete this form could lead to criminal charges or civil penalties.

In California, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) may actively seize assets that are transported into the United States. Agents may request to review financial documentation or travel plans, and they may confiscate cash that they deem suspicious.

Even if your property is seized, it is important to understand that it is not gone forever. You have the right to file an administrative claim challenging the legality of the confiscation. By submitting a written claim that explains your interest in the money and contains evidence of your ownership, you may be able to reclaim the funds.

At Spencer & Associates, our lawyer can assist you in filing a claim to get your money back. If necessary, we can take legal action or negotiate settlements while demonstrating that the cash that was seized is not related to criminal activity.

Reach Out to Our Monterey Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer Today

Navigating the administrative claim process and recovering money that was seized by law enforcement requires experience and resources. Our Monterey airport forfeiture attorney will fight to protect your rights. To schedule a free consultation, call 510-961-6232 or contact us online.