Westchester County (HPN) Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

Contest Cash Forfeiture at Westchester County Airport With the Help of Our Skilled New York Attorney

Being aware of state and federal travel laws is crucial whenever you make your way through an airport. If you plan to travel with a large amount of money, you may be at risk of forfeiting your money to law enforcement officials. A Westchester County Airport cash seizure lawyer can provide guidance on how to avoid unexpected, stressful confrontations or how to push back against confiscations after they happen.

At Spencer & Associates, we have over 30 years of experience in cases involving civil asset forfeiture. Our attorneys can provide you with the support and the resources you need to address an unlawful cash seizure and safeguard your money.

How Much Money Can You Bring to HPN?

When traveling domestically, there is no limit to the amount of cash you can carry. However, international travel does place strict requirements on people who are entering the United States with $10,000 or more. Unreported funds will face a much higher risk of seizure. By filing a Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments, you can let state and federal law enforcement know about your cash before arriving at the airport. Failure to report large cash amounts when traveling internationally can lead to civil and criminal penalties.

Even if you are traveling with money legally, it could be confiscated by the government. In all U.S. airports, state and federal government agencies have the authority to seize assets if they suspect that funds are connected to unlawful activity or wrongdoing, such as drug trafficking, terrorism funding, or money laundering. Agencies like Homeland Security, TSA, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Drug Enforcement Administration may confiscate cash at Westchester County Airport.

Officers need probable cause to tie money to suspected criminal activity. Missing documentation, inconsistent answers to questions, or other suspicions can give the government reasonable grounds to take your money. If agents are not satisfied with your answers or documentation, they can seize your assets.

Before traveling with cash, an attorney can help you understand the laws that apply and the steps you can take to avoid a seizure. Our lawyer can assist you in compiling crucial records to prove the source and purpose of your money. Documents such as contracts, receipts, and bank statements can help prevent confrontations with government officials and ensure that you will have a smoother airport experience.

How to Get Your Cash Back After it Was Taken

When your money has been seized, time is not on your side. The Notice of Seizure will provide details related to the reasons for the confiscation, your right to contest the seizure, and the deadline for filing an administrative claim.

Most of the time, you will have 30 days to file a claim after receiving a Notice of Seizure. This time limit may be extended to 35 days if the notice is mailed. While the government is responsible for proving that your funds were linked to unlawful activity, failure to dispute the seizure before the deadline will likely result in permanent forfeiture of your property.

The timelines for legal proceedings, the standards of evidence that will apply, and the requirements for filing a claim will depend on whether your case falls under New York State law or federal jurisdiction. Our lawyer can provide guidance on the steps you can take to protect your rights and regain your money.

We can design a strategic claim by gathering affidavits, contracts, bank records, and other evidence to prove that your money was not obtained illegally and that it was intended to be used for legal personal expenses, business transactions, or travel purposes. We can identify errors in the government's procedures or other issues that may be relevant in your case, and we will work to get your money back as quickly as possible.

Contact Our Westchester County Airport Cash Seizure Attorney

Do not wait to seek legal counsel if your cash was seized at Westchester County Airport. At Spencer & Associates, our asset forfeiture lawyer understands how stressful, confusing, and overwhelming this situation can be. He will advocate on your behalf and work to ensure that you will be able to keep what is yours. To arrange a free consultation, contact our Westchester County Airport asset forfeiture lawyer at 914-568-0504.