NYC Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

Airport Cash Seizure Attorney in NYC

Cash seizures at U.S. airports are more common than you might expect. Numerous federal laws allow agencies to seize large quantities of money if they suspect that an illegal activity is connected to the cash. If you have had your money confiscated at any New York City airport, an NYC airport cash seizure lawyer can work to recover these funds.

The Law Office of Jonathan Savella is adept at handling cash forfeiture cases and associated criminal investigations, including financial crimes. With over a decade of practice working alongside highly qualified attorneys in New York City, both at the federal and state level, Jonathan Savella brings a breadth of knowledge and skills that are indispensable to successfully resolving your case.

Reasons for Airport Cash Seizure in New York City

Carrying a large quantity of money when you travel is not inherently illegal. There are, however, several federal laws that make it illegal to profit financially from unlawful activity. For this reason, authorities may proceed to seize your cash.

Bulk cash seizure may occur if any money being transported out of or into a NYC airport is suspected of being connected with any of the following crimes:

• Money laundering
• Drug trafficking
• Financing terrorism
• Cash smuggling

You do not need to be charged with a crime for your cash to be seized at the airport. Law enforcement officials can seize assets through civil assets forfeiture, so long as they have probable cause of the cash’s illegal origin or intended illegal use. There may be criminal charges might be pursued later on if there is enough evidence.

Another reason for cash to be seized at a New York City airport is failure to declare large quantities. Though there are no restrictions on the amount of cash you can carry with you, you are required by law to report any money above $10,000 when entering or leaving the United States.

Steps to Take if Your Cash Has Been Confiscated at an NYC Airport

Dealing with law enforcement can feel intimidating, especially if they are federal authorities. If you find yourself detained at a New York City airport or your cash has been confiscated, it is crucial that you remain calm. Also, follow any instructions law enforcement authorities provide to avoid additional issues.

You are afforded rights under the U.S. Constitution, and these rights apply when facing potential federal charges or if your cash has been seized. It is highly advised that you do not provide statements to authorities without the counsel of a knowledgeable attorney.

Even if you are not arrested, if your cash is seized, you should be given a notice of seizure for any money taken by law enforcement. You can work to recover any seized cash, regardless of whether charges are filed or you are convicted. It is important to promptly respond to the notice of seizure to avoid forfeiting your cash.

Evidence That Can Help You Recover Your Seized Cash

Customs and Border Protection alone seizes $152,418 on a typical day, so knowing what you can do to recover your seized funds is essential. Evidence showing where the money came from and why you were carrying it may strengthen your claim for its return. Useful records may include: 

• Bank withdrawal slips
• Account statements
• Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• Business ledgers
• Loan documents
• Receipts from the sale of property

Any of these can establish that the funds came from a lawful source.

You should also gather any proof of its intended use, such as:

• Purchase agreement
• Invoice
• Travel itinerary
• Email
• Text messages
• Letter from another party

These and other forms of documentation may support your explanation. If the money belongs to a business or another individual, ownership records and a written statement from them may be helpful.

Keep the seizure notice, property receipt, boarding pass, and any documents officers gave you. Promptly write down what happened, including which officers questioned you, what they asked, and how you responded. Do not create, alter, or backdate records. In the seizure or forfeiture proceeding, an airport cash seizure lawyer can:

• Review the available evidence.
• Identify missing documents.
• Accurately present the facts when challenging the government’s claim that the money is connected to unlawful activity.

Who Seizes Your Cash at NYC Airports?

The agency that takes your money depends on where officers find it and why they suspect its connection to illegal activity. At a TSA checkpoint, screening officers may notice a large amount of cash in a carry-on bag. Carrying cash is not illegal on its own, and TSA typically does not seize money just because the amount is large. However, agents may contact law enforcement if they suspect drug trafficking, money laundering, theft, or another crime.

At JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Liberty, Port Authority Police may question the traveler and seize the cash. Federal agents from Homeland Security, the Drug Enforcement Administration, or the FBI may become involved as well. These agencies may take custody of the funds when there is probable cause to connect them to a federal offense.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection handles cash discovered during international arrivals or departures. Travelers may carry more than $10,000, but they need to report it on FinCEN Form 105. CBP may seize unreported or falsely reported currency.

The notice of seizure should identify the agency holding the funds and explain the deadline for responding. The recovery process differs, depending on whether CBP, the DEA, HSI, or another agency seized the money.

Hire an Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

You should hire an airport cash seizure lawyer as soon as possible; otherwise, you may lose your seized cash or be subject to additional criminal charges. A trusted NYC airport cash seizure attorney can work diligently to rectify any misunderstanding and resolve your case in the most optimal way possible by:

• Evaluating your case. An attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your case, including understanding the facts, assessing any probable cause that led to your cash seizure, reviewing charges, and determining the next step to take in your case.
• Dealing with multiple agencies. A cash seizure case can involve multiple agencies, and a skilled attorney can make it easier to navigate the various procedures for each entity.
• Filing adequate claims or responses. You have a limited time to file a civil claim or respond to a notice of seizure. Your attorney can promptly act so that you can take advantage of all legal options available to you.
• Mounting an aggressive defense. If your cash seizure case goes to court, a lawyer can mount a strong defense, which could involve proving that:
  • The money was wrongfully seized.
  • The funds are not connected to illegal activity.
  • There is a case of mistaken identity.

Sometimes, authorities get things wrong, and working alongside a criminal defense attorney can afford you the chance to seek justice and pursue the recovery of your assets.

FAQs

Q: How Much Cash Am I Permitted to Carry With Me at the Airport in NYC?

A: You can carry any amount of cash in New York when you travel. If you are carrying over $10,000 in or out of the U.S., you should declare this to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or you can face fines and jail time. It is recommended that you consult an attorney if you are unsure whether you may face repercussions for carrying large amounts of cash.

Q: Can Airports Seize Your Cash in NY?

A: Authorities at airports in New York can seize your cash if there is suspicion that this cash is associated with criminal activity, like money laundering, drug trafficking, or terrorist financing. Your cash can also be confiscated if you are traveling within or outside the United States with more than $10,000 and have not properly declared these assets.

Q: How Do You Get Seized Money Back From the Airport in New York City?

A: To get seized money back from the airport in New York City, it is necessary to promptly respond to the notice of seizure as soon as you receive it. You may also file a civil claim with a U.S. district court if you are not facing criminal charges concerning the cash seizure.

Q: How Long Is a Cash Seizure Case in New York City?

A: Once you are given notice of a cash seizure, you will have a certain amount of time to respond to the notice. You also have a limited timeframe to file a civil claim for asset forfeiture to try to recover your property. Because seizure litigation frequently mirrors parallel court actions, understanding the overall federal criminal case timeline in NYC helps clarify each stage of defense.

Q: What Government Agencies Get Involved in an NYC Airport Cash Seizure?

A: Several government agencies may get involved in an NYC airport cash seizure case. TSA officers may discover the cash during security screenings and refer the matter to law enforcement, but TSA doesn’t seize the money simply due to the amount. U.S. Customs and Border Protection handles undeclared currency on international trips.

Homeland Security, the DEA, the FBI, Port Authority Police, or local police may investigate suspected crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office may then pursue forfeiture proceedings.

Hire an Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer Today

An airport cash seizure does not mean the government automatically gets to keep the money it took from you. You may have several ways to challenge the seizure, but strict deadlines can limit your options. An NYC airport cash seizure attorney can preserve evidence and protect your right to seek the return of your funds.

The Law Office of Jonathan Savella can provide legal counsel under federal airport cash seizure laws. We thoroughly evaluate each case and look for the most suitable path forward to resolving each one. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help.

New York City, New York Related Airport Cash Seizure Resources

• How to Get Seized Money Back From the Airport in New York
• What Happens After a Federal Arrest in NYC?
• Federal Criminal Case Timeline in NYC

New York City, New York Airport Cash Seizure Legal Resources

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Currency Reporting and FinCEN Form 105 Guidelines
• U.S. Department of Justice – Asset Forfeiture Policy Manual and Civil Forfeiture Rules
• United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY)

About New York City, New York

New York City is home to iconic international travel hubs like John F. Kennedy International Airport, which serves tens of millions of passengers connecting to global destinations every year. However, federal authorities at NYC transport hubs have significantly expanded bulk cash seizure operations, with law enforcement seizing tens of millions in currency annually across federal air terminals. In response, federal interagency task forces have increased compliance monitoring and FinCEN enforcement. Despite aggressive federal forfeiture tactics, New York City remains dedicated to maintaining robust trade, transit, and fair legal processes for all travelers.