When the government takes your money, it can feel like your whole life is under attack. A cash seizure at an airport, border crossing, or during an investigation often happens fast, without an arrest, and with very little explanation. An asset forfeiture Attorney at Dallo Law can help you understand what happened, what comes next, and how to fight to get your money back.

We will walk you through how cash seizures work in Michigan and under federal law, what deadlines you’re facing, and how an experienced attorney can protect both your finances and your future.

What Is a Cash Seizure?

A cash seizure happens when law enforcement takes your money because they claim it might be connected to criminal activity or a violation of federal reporting rules. In many cases, you are not arrested or charged. Instead, the government starts a civil asset forfeiture case to try to permanently keep your money, even if they never prove you did anything wrong.

Civil forfeiture focuses on the property, not the person, which is why these cases are so confusing and stressful for everyday people.

When Do Cash Seizures Happen?

Although a cash seizure can happen in different settings, Dallo Law most often sees them in three situations:

1. Airport Cash Seizures at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)

2. Ports of Entry and Bridges

3. Drug-Related Investigations

How Does Criminal Asset Seizure Work in Michigan?

Understanding the process is key to protecting yourself and your money.

State vs. Federal Cash Seizure

State cash seizure (Michigan law)

When Michigan or local police (such as the Detroit Metro Airport Police Department) seize your money under state drug forfeiture laws:

• You should receive a “notice of seizure and intent to forfeit.”
• If the total value is $50,000 or less, you typically have 20 days to file a written claim.
• “Filing” means the claim must be received by the seizing agency within that time—not just placed in the mail.
• If the value exceeds $50,000, the government must file a court case and a judge decides the outcome.
  

These documents explain your options and deadlines. One option is to file a verified claim requesting court action under federal law. Doing this forces the U.S. Attorney’s Office to either return the money or file a forfeiture case in federal court within strict time limits.

What Does a Criminal Asset Seizure Attorney Do?

An asset forfeiture Attorney represents people whose money or property has been seized by the government. We review the seizure, explain your rights, file the necessary claims on time, demand evidence like airport video and police reports, and challenge the government’s attempt to permanently keep your cash. Our goal is to protect both your money and your long-term record.

Why You Need a Criminal Asset Seizure Attorney After a Cash Seizure

Trying to handle a cash seizure on your own is rarely a good idea. These cases are technical, deadline-driven, and heavily tilted in favor of the government.

A skilled attorney can:

• Protect you from missed deadlines that cause automatic loss of your money
• Explain each option (administrative vs. judicial) so you do not choose a weak path out of confusion
• Shield you from harmful statements to agents or prosecutors
• Raise constitutional issues if your stop, questioning, or search violated your rights
• Challenge weak evidence, such as drug-dog alerts on currency or vague suspicions about your travel plans
  

Because forfeiture and criminal investigations are often linked, you need counsel who understands both.

Why Choose Dallo Law for Cash Seizure Cases?

A Fighter’s Mindset in the Courtroom

Before becoming an award-winning attorney, J. Dallo built his career as an award-winning fighter and instructor. During his undergraduate years at the University of Michigan, he Competed in boxing, kickboxing, and no-holds-barred tournaments. He also served as Captain of the University of Michigan Boxing Club.

Today, he brings that same discipline and determination into the courtroom, using “martial science,” legal strategy, and in-court presence to challenge prosecutors and protect clients in even the most serious cases.

Reputation for Relentless Advocacy

Judges and prosecutors in Michigan have seen how J. Dallo examines witnesses with precision and fights relentlessly for his clients at trial. State and federal prosecutors know he is:

• Prepared to go to trial when needed
• Backed by the resources required to fully defend a case
• Committed to leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of the best possible outcome
  

This reputation matters in cash seizure cases. The government understands that Dallo Law is ready to challenge questionable seizures rather than quietly accept forfeiture.

Honest Evaluation and Clear Guidance

Dallo Law’s clients are everyday, hard-working people, workers, parents, students, and business owners, who have suddenly found themselves pulled into the legal system. The firm provides:

• Straightforward, honest evaluations of your case
• Educational, easy-to-understand explanations of your options
• Realistic expectations, not empty promises
  

You’ll understand the risks, the paths forward, and how each decision could affect your freedom and finances.

What To Do Immediately After a Cash Seizure

If your money has been seized, here are practical steps to protect yourself:

1. Keep every document you were given (receipts, business cards, letters).
2. Write down what happened as soon as you can: who approached you, what they asked, what you said.
3. Do not contact the seizing agency alone to “explain” your side, what you say can be used against you.
4. Avoid posting details on social media.
5. Contact an asset forfeiture attorney experienced in cash seizures as soon as possible.
   

The earlier you involve counsel, the more options you have to fight forfeiture and protect your record.

FAQs: Criminal Asset Seizure Attorney & Cash Seizure

1. Is it illegal to carry a large amount of cash?

No. It is not illegal to carry a large amount of cash. However, law enforcement may view large sums as suspicious, especially at airports and border crossings. Problems often arise when officers suspect drug activity or believe you failed to properly report more than $10,000 on the FinCEN 105 form.

2. Can the government really keep my money without charging me with a crime?

Yes, in civil asset forfeiture cases the government can try to keep your money without charging you personally. They argue that the property is connected to crime. A Criminal Asset Seizure Attorney can help you challenge this and force the government to justify the forfeiture in court.

3. How long do I have to fight a cash seizure?

Deadlines vary. Under Michigan law, if your seized property is worth $50,000 or less, you may have as little as 20 days to file a claim. Federal cases often include a 35-day response window on CBP notices. Because these rules are strict, you should contact an attorney as soon as you receive any paperwork.

4. Will I go to jail because of a cash seizure?

Many cash seizures do not lead to criminal charges, but they can. The fact that you were not arrested at the airport does not mean there will never be a criminal case. An asset forfeiture attorney can evaluate your risk, advise you on your rights, and help protect you if an investigation is ongoing.

5. Can I handle a cash seizure case on my own?

You can try, but it is risky. The forms are confusing, the deadlines are unforgiving, and the government has lawyers and investigators on its side. A mistake, like missing a deadline or choosing the wrong option, can permanently cost you your money. Working with an experienced Criminal Asset Seizure Attorney helps level the playing field.

6. How much does it cost to hire Dallo Law?

Fees depend on your specific case, the amount at stake, and whether related criminal charges are involved. During your consultation, Dallo Law will provide an honest evaluation of your situation and explain the firm’s fee structure so you can make an informed decision.

Talk to a Criminal Asset Seizure Attorney at Dallo Law

If your money has been taken by the government, you do not have to face this alone. An asset forfeiture Attorney at Dallo Law can guide you through each step, from decoding the notice you received to filing claims, building your defense, and challenging the forfeiture in court.

You worked hard for your money. Don’t let the government keep it without a fight.

Call Dallo Law today at (248) 290-9962 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help with your cash seizure or other criminal defense matter.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently, and the application of law depends on the specific facts of each case. You should consult an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting Dallo Law, P.C. through this website or by phone does not create an attorney–client relationship. Please do not send confidential information until an attorney–client relationship has been established in a written agreement.