Orange County (SNA) Airport Cash Seizure Attorney

Skilled Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer Representing Clients at John Wayne Airport, CA

If you are unexpectedly stopped at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, California, it may come as a major shock to have your money seized by government authorities. When faced with a debilitating setback at an airport, it helps to have a skilled Orange County, CA cash seizure attorney on your side.

Nobody deserves to have their assets seized without good reason. At Spencer & Associates, we have years of experience representing clients in cash seizure and civil asset forfeiture cases. When you work with our firm, we will fight to uphold your rights and take aggressive measures to help recover your money.

Currency Reporting Laws at Orange County (SNA) Airport

Travelers passing through John Wayne Airport (SNA) must comply with both federal and state currency reporting requirements. Under federal law, any person transporting more than $10,000 in cash or negotiable instruments into or out of the United States must file a Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments (FinCEN Form 105) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Although John Wayne Airport primarily handles domestic flights, passengers connecting to international departures remain subject to this rule. Failure to file the required report can subject travelers to civil forfeiture of their funds, even if the traveler had no intent to evade taxes or launder money.

Challenging the Legality of a Cash Seizure

If your funds are seized at John Wayne Airport, you have the right to contest the action. Under federal civil forfeiture procedures, you must file a petition for remission or mitigation within 30 days of the seizure notice. In California, you may also file a claim in state court under the California Government Code, which provides for a civil action to recover property seized without probable cause.

Successful challenges often hinge on demonstrating that the government lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe your funds were connected to illegal activity. Evidence of legitimate business transactions, transparent financial records, and consistent travel patterns can undermine the government's justification. Procedural errors, such as failure to provide timely notice, improper inventory of seized items, or inadequate explanation of rights, can also form the basis for dismissal of the forfeiture action.

Negotiation and Litigation Strategies for Airport Cash Seizure in California

Early engagement with the seizing agency can yield better outcomes than waiting for litigation. Experienced counsel can enter into negotiations to secure a release of funds by presenting documentary evidence of lawful origin and intended use. Sometimes, a structured settlement permits partial recovery without protracted court proceedings, in exchange for returning part of the seized cash with mitigated penalties. Our firm will inform you of your rights during negotiation to ensure that your best interests are protected.

If negotiations fail, filing a petition in federal district court or a civil complaint in California Superior Court will initiate formal discovery. Strategic motions to suppress evidence, challenge jurisdiction, or dismiss for lack of standing can resolve the case before trial. At trial, testimony from financial experts and credible witnesses regarding the source and intended use of the cash can persuade a judge that forfeiture is unwarranted.

Should the government persist in its claim, appellate remedies are available under both federal and California law. Our firm can represent you in a rehearing with the Court of Appeal if crucial facts were not given consideration.

Contact Our SNA Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer Today

If you have had large sums of money seized by a government agency at John Wayne Airport, reach out to Spencer & Associates. To schedule your free initial consultation, call our office at 510-961-6232 or contact our Orange County, CA cash seizure attorney today.