A Seizure of Cash at Airport can derail your travel plans, threaten your savings, and leave you confused about what went wrong. Many travelers at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and other Michigan airports discover, often for the first time, that the government can take their money without charging them with any crime. What happens next depends on whether you act quickly and strategically.
At Dallo Law, P.C., we guide clients through every stage of the forfeiture process after a Seizure of Cash at Airport, helping them challenge unlawful seizures and pursue the return of their funds.
Why Did My Money Get Seized?
There are two main reasons a Seizure of Cash at Airport occurs:
- Suspicion of drug or criminal activity (domestic travel)
Airport police, DEA agents, or task force officers may decide that the amount of cash you are carrying is “suspicious.” They might claim:- You gave inconsistent answers about where the money came from
- You purchased a last-minute or one-way ticket
- A drug dog allegedly alerted to your baggage
- None of this proves your money is tied to a crime, but it may still be enough for the government to initiate a civil asset forfeiture case.
- Alleged violation of currency reporting rules (international travel)
When entering or leaving the United States with more than $10,000, you must properly declare it using the FinCEN Form 105. If CBP believes the form is incomplete, incorrect, or intentionally misleading, your funds may be seized, even when the money is legitimate and lawfully earned.
What Happens After a Seizure of Cash at Airport in Michigan?
Here’s what you can usually expect:
- You keep traveling, but without your money
In most cases, you are not arrested. Instead, the money is taken and you are allowed to continue your trip, often with only a brief explanation. - You receive a notice by mail
Depending on the agency:- Michigan state or local agencies send a “notice of seizure and intent to forfeit” under state law.
- CBP issues a “Notice of Seizure and Information to Claimants” under federal law.
- You are given strict deadlines
- Under Michigan law, you may have as little as 20 days to file a written claim if the property is worth $50,000 or less.
- Under federal law, you may have 35 days to submit a claim or choose another option. Once a proper claim is filed, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has a limited period (typically 90 days) to either return the money or file a forfeiture lawsuit.
If you miss these deadlines, the government can keep your money without ever proving that it was connected to a crime.
State vs. Federal: Understanding Jurisdiction
A Seizure of Cash at Airport can fall under:
- Michigan state law
Often used when the seizure is tied to alleged drug activity under Michigan’s controlled substances laws. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Asset Forfeiture Unit frequently leads state forfeiture actions involving airport seizures. - Federal law
Used when CBP, HSI, or DEA seize funds connected to alleged reporting violations or bulk cash smuggling.
You do not need to figure this out on your own. An experienced forfeiture lawyer can review your paperwork and immediately identify which rules apply and how to respond.
How Dallo Law Responds to Seizure of Cash at Airport
When you retain Dallo Law after a Seizure of Cash at Airport, we focus on fast, decisive action:
- Review your documents and timeline
We carefully examine the seizure receipt, letters from CBP or state agencies, and any forms you signed to determine the applicable deadlines and options. - Preserve critical evidence
We can request:- Airport surveillance footage
- Reports and notes from officers and agents
- K9 deployment and training records
- Copies of any recorded interviews or written statements
- File a verified claim
We prepare a detailed, legally compliant claim that demands judicial review rather than leaving your case in bureaucratic limbo. - Challenge the government’s theory
We argue:- Lawful cash is not automatically suspicious
- Travel patterns do not equal criminal activity
- K9 alerts on currency carry limited evidentiary value
- There is no proven link between your money and specific criminal conduct
- Protect you from missteps
We counsel you on what to say, and what not to say, to government agents so you do not unintentionally harm your own case.
Attorney J. Dallo’s familiarity with the practices of airport police, CBP officers, federal agents, and local prosecutors allows him to anticipate the government’s strategy and build a targeted defense.
What You Should Do Right After a Seizure
If you experienced a Seizure of Cash at Airport, here are immediate steps to take:
- Keep every document you were given at the airport
- Write down a detailed timeline of what happened while it is fresh in your mind
- Do not contact law enforcement or CBP on your own to “explain” the cash
- Call a lawyer who handles airport cash seizure and forfeiture cases
Talk to Dallo Law About Seizure of Cash at Airport
You worked hard for your money. Losing it to a civil forfeiture case you don’t fully understand is frustrating and unfair. If you’ve experienced a Seizure of Cash at Airport, Dallo Law can help you take back control and fight for the return of your funds.
To discuss your options, call Dallo Law, P.C. at (248) 283-7000 for a confidential consultation.
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.
