Oakland (OAK) Airport Cash Seizure Attorney

Aggressive Attorney for Civil Asset Forfeiture Cases at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, CA

At a bustling center of domestic and international travel like Oakland Airport, government agencies keep close watch for any suspected criminal activity. Unfortunately, this can lead to people having their private property seized regardless of whether or not anything illegal actually occurred. If you have had cash or other valuable assets seized at Oakland San Francisco Airport, a civil asset forfeiture lawyer can help you take action to protect your property.

At Spencer & Associates, we understand how distressing it can be to have mass amounts of money seized by government authorities even if criminal charges were never filed against you. Attorney Arnold Spencer can review your legal options and work as quickly as possible to have your assets returned to you.

Can the Government Take My Cash at an Airport?

Travelers passing through Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport may be surprised to learn that state and federal authorities can seize cash if they suspect it is connected to criminal activity. Under federal civil asset forfeiture laws, the government does not need to secure a criminal conviction before taking money. Instead, they only need probable cause to believe the funds are tied to drug trafficking, money laundering, or other illicit conduct.

At an airport checkpoint, this suspicion often arises when passengers decline to explain the source of their cash, present inconsistent documentation, or carry amounts that exceed typical travel needs. Although California law imposes additional safeguards, federal agents operating at Oakland Airport rely on U.S. statutes that permit immediate seizure upon reasonable belief of wrongdoing.

Does TSA Have the Authority to Take Your Money?

Many travelers assume that TSA's only role is screening luggage and passengers. However, TSA officers can refer cases to federal law enforcement when they detect large sums of unreported cash. TSA guidelines instruct officers to report suspicious currency to agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the Drug Enforcement Administration.

While TSA itself does not permanently confiscate funds, officers may detain you for questioning, inspect your luggage more thoroughly, and request proof of legitimate ownership. Should you fail to adequately answer these questions, federal agents may formally seize your money and initiate forfeiture proceedings. Keep in mind that if you must declare amounts over $10,000 when departing or entering the country. Failure to make this declaration can lead to immediate detention of your cash and administrative or criminal penalties.

What to Do After Your Assets Have Been Seized at OAK

If your cash is seized at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, you must act promptly to protect your rights. First, secure any paperwork provided by the seizing agency, including receipts and incident reports. These documents will identify the case number, the amount taken, and the authority responsible for the seizure. Next, consult an attorney experienced in civil asset forfeiture. Attorney Arnold Spencer of Spencer & Associates can guide you through the claim process, which often requires filing a timely petition in court to contest the government's seizure of your assets.

In California, state law also offers avenues for recovery. To challenge the government's case, you must file a claim within 30 days of receiving notice of forfeiture. Our firm can help you gather evidence to demonstrate that the money was lawfully obtained, usually in the form of bank statements, invoices, or contracts. By taking swift, informed action, you increase your chances of having your assets returned and minimizing legal exposure.

Contact an Oakland (OAK) Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

If your money has been confiscated by state or federal authorities at an airport, you may only have a limited amount of time to recover the seized assets. Spencer & Associates can help you take legal action to protect your property rights. Call 510-961-6232 or contact our Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport cash seizure attorney to schedule a free consultation.