Newark Airport Cash Seizure Lawyers - Your Guide to Getting Your Money Back
Having cash seized by federal agents at Newark Liberty International Airport can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you might think under civil asset forfeiture laws. These laws allow law enforcement to seize cash and other property that is suspected to be tied to criminal activity - even without filing criminal charges.
If you had cash taken from you at Newark Airport, the first thing to do is
not panic. Although the situation seems dire, experienced legal help can greatly assist you in getting your money back. This article provides a guide on what to do if you have cash seized at Newark Airport, and how a lawyer can help.
Why Cash Is Seized at Newark Airport
Can law enforcement seize your money when flying with cash?
There are a few common reasons law enforcement such as
DEA agents or TSA/Customs officers may seize cash from travelers at Newark Airport:
- Suspicion of involvement in illegal drug activity
- Suspected money laundering
- Failure to properly declare cash over $10,000 when traveling internationally
- Suspicion the money will be used for terrorist activity
Often agents seizing cash do not even file criminal charges. The legal burden of proof for civil forfeiture is much lower than for a criminal conviction. So if you want your money back, having an experienced lawyer is crucial.
Getting a Lawyer Involved Immediately
If your cash is seized at Newark Airport, it's vital to contact a lawyer who specializes in civil asset forfeiture right away. There are strict deadlines for contesting the seizure, often as little as 30 days. An attorney can file the proper legal motions to begin this process.
Negotiating directly with the seizing agency (
DEA, TSA, etc) without a lawyer rarely succeeds. Experienced forfeiture counsel know the system and applicable laws inside and out. This is critical for getting seized cash returned.
How a Lawyer Can Help
An attorney experienced in cash seizure cases can assist in the following ways:
- Open negotiations with the seizing agency to have cash returned without litigation
- File a court claim contesting the seizure if negotiations fail
- Gather evidence showing the legitimate source of the cash
- Work to minimize the amount forfeited if full return is not possible
- Navigate complex court processes to defeat forfeiture
It's very difficult for travelers to achieve these outcomes on their own when cash is seized. The legal system is designed to favor law enforcement in forfeiture cases. Having legal representation levels the playing field.
Getting Your Money Back from Newark Airport Cash Seizure
How to get seized money back from the airport?
The prospect of getting cash back after seizure at a busy airport like Newark can seem daunting. But with an experienced lawyer negotiating aggressively on your behalf, many people are able to recover most or all of their seized money.
Don't delay - time is of the essence. Contact a dedicated cash seizure attorney right away if you have a Newark Airport currency seizure situation. With legal expertise in your corner, you can protect your rights and work to get your hard-earned money returned.
For more information on the cash seizure and forfeiture process, check out the following helpful resources:
