Cash Money Seized by DEA & Police

DEA or Police Seized Your Cash? Don’t Let Them Keep It. Here’s How to Get an Excellent Lawyer to Fight Back and Reclaim What’s Rightfully Yours

Imagine you’ve saved up a large amount of cash from your job, a gift, or the sale of property. Then suddenly DEA agents or local police seize it during a traffic stop, airport screening, or raid on your home or business. They say it’s somehow illegal – drug money, proceeds of a crime, or intended for laundering. But you’ve done nothing wrong. Do you just kiss that money goodbye?

Absolutely not! Federal and state laws allow you to fight back against civil asset forfeiture and get your wrongfully seized cash returned. But you must act fast and get experienced legal help.

This comprehensive guide will teach you how police and DEA cash seizures work, why you desperately need a lawyer when this happens, where to find excellent counsel, and what to look for in the right attorney to fight for your rights. Let’s get started!

How Police and DEA Agents Seize Cash

Law enforcement can’t just take cash from you without a legal basis. But various state and federal statutes give them broad power to seize currency in situations like these:

At airports, bus/train stations if cash seems connected to drugs, money laundering, or terrorism.
During a traffic stop if police allege the money stems from illegal activity.
At your home or business if cash is spotted during a raid or search connected to an investigation.
Literally right out of your hands if police say you appear involved in a drug or money laundering offense.

To justify seizing cash, law enforcement only needs probable cause linking it to criminal activity. This is a very low threshold with minimal evidence required. And the burden flips – it’s up to you to prove the cash is totally clean, not them.

Getting seized cash back is an uphill battle. That’s why calling an asset forfeiture lawyer immediately is so crucial. Don’t let them keep your hard-earned money without a fight.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Why You Desperately Need a Lawyer’s Help

Here are some key reasons why trying to handle a cash seizure without an attorney is extremely unwise:

Complex web of laws – Asset forfeiture is governed by state and federal statutes plus Constitutional principles that only lawyers fully understand. Maneuvering the process alone is nearly impossible.
Burden of proof on you – Unlike a criminal case, you must conclusively prove the cash is untainted – not just poke holes in law enforcement’s basis for seizure. You need strong legal arguments.
Strict procedural deadlines – After receiving a notice of seizure, you only have a short window (as little as 20 days) to file a claim contesting it. Miss the deadline and the cash is permanently gone.
Powerful opposition – Prosecutors who handle asset forfeiture are a formidable foe. They fight every case aggressively. Without a lawyer, you’re severely overmatched.
Cases often hinge on technicalities – Seizure cases frequently come down to arguing complex legal nuances, standards of proof, or procedural missteps by police. Only lawyers can capitalize on these.
Negotiation skills needed – Even if you have strong evidence the cash is clean, savvy negotiation is required to persuade prosecutors to settle and cut deals. Lawyers know how to negotiate best outcomes in forfeiture cases.

The bottom line is that you need an experienced asset forfeiture attorney fighting aggressively in your corner if you any hope of getting seized cash returned. The legal deck is stacked against you – so you need great lawyers to level the playing field.

Where to Find Excellent Cash Seizure Lawyers

If DEA agents or police seized your cash, where should you look for great lawyers that handle asset forfeiture cases? Here are some smart tactics:

Search state bar association directories and filter by practice area. Vet any disciplinary records.
Ask criminal defense lawyers for referrals to forfeiture attorneys they work with and trust.
Search online legal directories like Avvo, Lawyers.com, and FindLaw that allow screening by location and practice area.
Check sites like NORML that maintain lists of lawyers experienced with asset forfeiture marijuana cases.
Search tags like #assetforfeiturelawyer on social media to find lawyers who post about forfeiture cases.
Look for law firms with practice groups dedicated to fighting civil asset forfeiture and getting seized property back.
Search terms like “lawyer asset forfeiture [your state]” to find attorneys located near you.
If low income, contact legal aid organizations which sometimes assist with forfeiture cases pro bono.

Cast a wide net and spend time vetting credentials. Getting a lawyer with extensive forfeiture case experience significantly improves your odds of getting seized cash back.

Choosing the Best Asset Forfeiture Attorney

Once you identify prospective lawyers, how do you pick the very best one to fight for return of your seized cash? Here are key factors to weigh:

Years specialized in forfeiture cases – Ask the number of cash seizure cases they’ve worked in their career and over how many years. Longtime specialization is vital.
Case win rate – A proven track record of favorable case results shows the attorney has the skills to effectively fight seizures. Ask for examples of past wins.
Knowledge of laws and procedures – Look for mastery of the complex web of state/federal forfeiture laws and procedures. It’s a tricky legal area so choose someone well-versed in it.
Litigation skills – Since many seizures end up in court, the lawyer must be an aggressive litigator able to argue before judges convincingly. Courtroom strength is key.
Negotiation ability – Even strong cases often settle via negotiation with prosecutors before trial. Choose a lawyer who excels at plea bargaining and settlement talks.
Files petitions urgently – Time is not your friend, so the lawyer must act fast to file petitions contesting the seizure before deadlines expire. Responsiveness matters.
Affordability – Costs can quickly skyrocket paying lawyer fees, filing costs, etc. Discuss payment plans and possibilities of contingency arrangements where fees come from money recovered.
Client reviews – Online reviews indicate how previous clients view the lawyer’s commitment, compassion, and case outcomes. Insight from others who’ve been in your shoes is invaluable.

Fighting to get seized money returned is a long shot without great legal representation. So be extremely selective when choosing who to hire. Vet credentials rigorously before entrusting your case.

Why Spodek Law Firm Stands Out for Cash Seizure Defense

One asset forfeiture law firm I strongly recommend considering is Spodek Law Firm based in New York City. Headed by accomplished attorney Spodek, they specialize in fighting cash seizures by DEA and police.

Here is what distinguishes Spodek Law Firm for forfeiture cases:

Creative legal strategies – Spodek Law finds innovative and unique legal angles to argue against forfeiture that other lawyers miss. Thinking outside the box gives clients an edge.
Rapid response team – The firm prides itself on urgent response upon retention to file petitions contesting seizures before deadlines run out. They move swiftly.
Litigation tenacity – If settlement talks fail, Spodek Law has the courtroom skills and experience to keep fighting all the way through trial if necessary. They are fierce litigators.
Compassion for clients – Online reviews praise Attorney Spodek for treating clients compassionately and keeping them informed during the difficult legal process. Communication excels.

If you’re looking for tenacious attorneys skilled at getting seized cash returned, I highly recommend contacting Spodek Law Firm. Their expertise and impressive track record provide clients with the very best chance of success. Don’t let law enforcement keep your rightful property without a fight. The time to call is now!