Long Island Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

Airport Cash Seizure Attorney in Long Island, NY

Flying with a large amount of cash can make you a target for cash seizure, especially if you fail to declare the money when entering or leaving the United States. Having your cash seized can leave you feeling anxious or frustrated. Lashing out during the seizure does not improve the situation. You need a Long Island airport cash seizure lawyer to review why your money was seized and to present a case as to why your money should be returned.

Hire an Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

When your cash gets seized at an airport, you should hire an airport cash seizure lawyer to evaluate your case and help you respond to the notice of seizure. A skilled airport cash seizure lawyer can present the facts of your case to demonstrate that your money is not associated with any illegal activity. Jonathan Savella, Attorney at Law, began practicing in 2010 to help New York residents facing difficult legal challenges.

Asset Forfeiture in the United States

Asset forfeiture is the term to describe when the government seizes someone’s assets because it believes those assets were used in or obtained from criminal activities. Forfeitures were designed to prevent large-scale criminal enterprises. Asset forfeiture is divided into two types:

• Criminal forfeiture occurs when assets are seized as part of a criminal prosecution. The assets are held until the case is decided.
• Civil forfeiture occurs without criminal charges being brought against the owner. After the seizure, the government must prove the assets were connected to a crime.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency seized $66,585,854 worth of currency and other monetary instruments during fiscal year 2025, which ran from October 1, 2024, to September 1, 2025. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency for fiscal year 2023 seized $147,337,691 in cash and another $188,349,172 in assets.

Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws

When flying into Long Island, you may choose to fly directly through the Long Island MacArthur Airport or fly into one of New York’s closest international airports, such as John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, or Newark Liberty International Airport. Regardless of how you fly, if you do not take the necessary precaution of declaring any amount of money over $10,000, you could face civil asset forfeiture by local or federal police officers.

The New York State Senate recognizes civil asset forfeiture as an appropriate method of recovering money gained through criminal activity. However, the amount seized is limited to the actual amount of proceeds gained from the criminal activity.

Steps to Take After an Airport Cash Seizure

It can be overwhelming to be stopped at the airport and questioned about a large amount of cash you are traveling with. Regardless of why you have the money, if law enforcement officers feel that your answers are suspicious or you seem too nervous, they may choose to seize your cash.

The first thing you should do is contact a knowledgeable airport cash seizure attorney who can guide you through the process of petitioning to have your money returned. The deadline to petition is stated in the formal notification of seizure you receive after the initial incident. If you miss the deadline, your cash is forfeited, and you have no legal recourse.

If you file within the deadline, you have the opportunity to present evidence in court demonstrating how you acquired the money and proving that it is not associated with any criminal activity.

Many civil asset forfeiture cases are handled through negotiations instead of being litigated. The government offers a percentage of what was seized in exchange for your signing a formal release and dropping your claim.

If you lack solid evidence or have a spotty criminal record, recovering a portion of the seized money may be a better option. If you have clear documentation and no prior criminal history, it may be worth the time to litigate the case.

FAQs

Can the TSA Seize Money?

No, the TSA does not have the direct authority to seize money at the airport, but they can report to local or federal law enforcement agencies that you are traveling with a large quantity of money. Law enforcement agents have the authority to seize money if they believe it is connected to a criminal activity. If you have not declared the money through the appropriate channels, it could be seized.

Can You Get Your Money Back Following an Airport Seizure?

Yes, you can get your money back following an airport seizure, but the process can be difficult and time-consuming. You should receive a notice of forfeiture following the seizure. You only have a limited amount of time to respond to the notice. Responding incorrectly could result in you forfeiting the seized cash. An experienced Long Island airport cash seizure attorney can ensure you respond appropriately to increase your chances of having your case returned.

What Is the Search and Seizure Law in New York?

Search and seizure laws in New York are governed by the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. In person, an officer can stop and question a person if they are acting suspiciously or in a manner that indicates criminal activity.

Officers can ask reasonable questions to confirm or deny their suspicions, but they must have probable cause before detaining or physically searching a person. They also need a search warrant before searching bags or luggage.

When Entering or Leaving the United States, Am I Only Required to Declare Cash?

When entering or leaving the United States, you are legally required to declare $10,000 or more to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. However, this law does not apply only to cash. You also have to declare whether you are carrying travelers’ checks, money orders, negotiable instruments, or investment securities in bearer form. This law applies to both U.S. currency and all foreign currencies.

Contact the Law Office of Jonathan Savella

With experience in state and federal courts, the Law Office of Jonathan Savella possesses the knowledge and skills to assist you in recovering your seized cash. Airport cash seizure cases can be complex as they deal with multiple agencies and must be handled within strict time restrictions. You need an attorney who can mount a strong defense. Contact Jonathan Savella, Attorney at Law, today to schedule your initial consultation.