How to Recover Money Taken by CBP: A Guide to the Process

This is an educational and informational guide — it is NOT legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Information may be outdated — always verify on official websites and with a licensed professional.

Introduction / Who This Is For

If your money has been taken by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), you may feel lost and confused. This guide is for you if you want to learn how to recover your funds. We describe the process of filing for remission, deadlines, and why it is advisable to seek assistance from a lawyer specializing in forfeiture cases.

How Does the Money Recovery Process Work?

The process of recovering money begins with understanding why your funds were seized by CBP. This typically occurs when there is suspicion that the money is related to criminal activity, such as money laundering. However, you can file for remission or mitigation of the seizure to recover your money.

Application for Remission and Mitigation

You can file for remission within 30 days of receiving notice of the seizure. In the application, you must provide evidence that justifies your claim. In the case of mitigation, CBP may decide whether to return part or all of the seized funds, considering the circumstances of the case.

CAFRA Process

If your money was seized under the CAFRA (Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act), you have additional rights. This law establishes specific rules regarding civil asset forfeiture and requires CBP to prove that the seizure was justified. You can file an administrative claim within 30 days or a lawsuit within 90 days from the date of seizure.

Why It Is Worth Hiring a Lawyer?

Many people choose to seek help from a lawyer specializing in forfeiture cases because the process is complicated and requires knowledge of legal regulations. A lawyer will help you prepare the necessary documentation, file the application, and represent you in case of court proceedings.

Common Mistakes

• Missing deadlines — it is important to file your application on time.
• Lack of appropriate evidence — ensure you have all necessary documents.
• Misunderstanding legal grounds — it is advisable to consult a lawyer to understand your rights.
• Providing false information — this can lead to rejection of your application.

What’s Next?

1. Contact a lawyer specializing in forfeiture cases.
2. Gather all documents related to the seizure.
3. Prepare your application for remission or mitigation.
4. File your application within 30 days of the seizure date.
5. If necessary, prepare for court proceedings within 90 days.

Sources

For more information on the money recovery process, you can visit the following websites:
CBP — U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Courts
IRS — Internal Revenue Service