When U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seizes your money, it can feel like the end of the road. But as this case shows, it doesn’t have to be.
A client recently recovered $27,270 in seized cash—without paying a penalty—after CBP denied not one, but two petitions for relief. The key? Persistence, legal strategy, and a timely claim filed by Great Lakes Customs Law.
The Seizure: A Misstep at the Border
The ordeal began when a traveler returning from Jamaica was stopped at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. CBP officers discovered undeclared cash in her luggage and seized it under suspicion of bulk cash smuggling and failure to report over $10,000, citing 31 U.S.C. §§ 5316 and 5332.
The traveler – who was only carrying the money for someone else – verbally claimed the money belonged to a voodoo doctor (which of course did not help anything). Later, through legal representation, it was clarified that the funds had a legal source and were from the sale of vehicles in Jamaica and were being repatriated to the U.S. by the traveler’s mother.
Two Petitions, Two Denials
The client, represented by Great Lakes Customs Law, filed a petition for remission and mitigation. Despite providing tax records, bank statements, and affidavits showing the legitimate source of the funds, CBP denied the petition, citing insufficient evidence and a supposed nexus to illegal activity.
Like explained here, we recommend starting with a petition 👉 What Option is Best to Get Seized Money Back from CBP?
A supplemental petition was filed, further clarifying the source of the funds and addressing CBP’s concerns. That too was denied.
The Turning Point: Filing a Claim
After exhausting the administrative process, Great Lakes Customs Law filed a formal claim requesting that the case be referred to the U.S. Attorney for judicial forfeiture proceedings. Filing a claim is best used strategically or as a last resort.
Here’s where things got interesting.
Despite proof of delivery via USPS tracking, CBP later claimed they never received the claim. But under the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act (CAFRA), once a claim is filed, the government has 90 days to initiate a forfeiture complaint in federal court.
They didn’t.
Victory by Default
Because CBP failed to file a complaint within the statutory deadline, the client was entitled to the return of the seized funds by default. No court battle. No penalty. Just persistence—and a lawyer who knew the law.
Lessons Learned
This case offers several important takeaways:
- Don’t give up after a petition denial. Administrative denials are not the end of the road.
- Hire an experienced customs attorney. Knowing when and how to escalate a case is critical.
- Keep records. Proof of delivery and timely filings can make or break your case.
- Government mistakes happen. And when they do, the law can work in your favor.
⌛Take Back Control of Your Money Today
Don’t let a Customs money seizure derail your travel plans or financial stability. At Great Lakes Customs Law, we understand the stress and complexity of currency seizures. With years of experience on almost 700 cases, we’re here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
💵Act Now to Protect Your Cash
- Contact Us for a Free Consultation: Let’s discuss your case and explore your legal options. We’ll listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a tailored strategy to recover your seized money.
- Gather Your Documentation: Start collecting relevant documents—such as bank statements, tax returns, and travel records. We’ll evaluate this to determine the best way forward for you.
- Stay Informed and Prepared: We’ll keep you updated on your case and provide the tools and knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
🕛Don’t Delay – Every Moment Counts
If your cash has been seized by Customs, time is critical. Contact us immediately to take the first step toward resolving your case and reclaiming your money.
📞 Call us at (734) 855-4999
💬 Text or WhatsApp us for quick support
📝 Fill out our contact form to get started
Explore the Full Process of Currency Seizure & Recovery
To learn more about what happens after a seizure, how penalties are assessed, and how you can recover your funds, visit our comprehensive guide:
👉 A CBP Money Seizure Lawyer’s Guide to Recovering Seized Cash
Don’t navigate this process alone—get informed and take action.