USPIS Mailed Cash Forfeiture

When the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) seizes cash sent through the mail, it can feel like a sudden and unjust loss in a highly stressful situation.

Federal laws, such as 18 U.S.C. § 983, 21 U.S.C. § 881, and 19 U.S.C. §§ 1602–1619, allow agencies to take assets they suspect are connected to illegal activity, sometimes even if you haven’t been charged with a crime.

You have the right to fight back, but there are strict deadlines that are often just 30-35 days from receiving notice.

Don’t try to handle this alone or wait until it’s too late. Contact San Diego Defenders—Forfeiture Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation at (619) 258-8888. We offer affordable payment plans or contingency fees where you don’t pay until we win. 

Our USPIS mailed cash forfeiture lawyer will explain your options and how we can help. Se habla Español.

Attorney Dan Smith has over 35 years of experience and a stellar reputation in federal defense, with a strong focus on asset forfeiture litigation involving seizures by federal law enforcement agencies. Government agencies recognize our firm.

If you are facing a cash seizure, a USPIS mailed cash forfeiture lawyer can take action and fight for the return of your cash or property.

Why USPIS Seizes Cash in the Mail

The USPIS works alongside agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Attorney’s Offices to intercept mailed cash under suspicion that the funds are connected to criminal conduct.

Factors such as large amounts of cash, anonymous shipping labels, or the use of express services can raise red flags.

When a package is detained and searched, any cash found inside may be seized and held pending forfeiture.

In many cases, the intended use of the cash is entirely legal, and USPIS cannot prove the crime.

For example, sending cash through the mail to buy a vehicle or loan a friend money is not illegal.

Yet individuals routinely find their lawfully earned money seized simply because of how it was sent or received, even though it is entirely legal to mail cash.

Understanding the Notice of Seizure and Forfeiture Process

After a seizure occurs, the recipient typically receives a Notice of Seizure of Property and Initiation of Administrative Forfeiture Proceedings letter.

 

This official document signals the beginning of a civil forfeiture process under federal law.

It outlines how the government may take and attempt to keep seized property without ever filing criminal charges.

Under 21 U.S.C. § 881, the government may forfeit property allegedly tied to narcotics transactions or other illegal activity. Still, the fact is that all money is tainted with enough drugs to cause a dog to alert.

However, in civil cases, the government must prove that connection if the owner files a timely and lawful claim.

The seizing agency must physically receive the response documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time within 35 days of the notice date.

It is essential to choose the correct election of proceedings depending on the facts of the case. 

Call us at (619) 258-8888, and we will discuss your case during a free, confidential consultation.

It is not enough to simply send the claim by the 35th day.

If your property does not arrive on time and at the correct office, it may be administratively forfeited without a hearing.

That is why it is crucial to act quickly and consult an experienced USPIS mailed cash forfeiture lawyer as soon as you receive the notice.

Case Result: $20,900 Returned After USPIS Seizure

Our firm recently represented a small business owner who had their $20,900 in cash seized by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) under suspicion that the funds were tied to illegal proceeds. This is not a lot of money, but it was everything to our client.

The client operates a car rental business and had the funds mailed to them by a business partner so they could purchase additional vehicles for their rental fleet on Turo.

The vehicle seller only accepted cash payments, a legal practice not uncommon in certain private party transactions.

It is also entirely legal to send cash through the mail, yet federal authorities intercepted and confiscated the package.

The government issued a Notice of Seizure of Property and Initiation of Administrative Forfeiture Proceedings, invoking civil forfeiture.

USPIS conducted the seizure pursuant to regulations and statutes, including 19 U.S.C. §§ 1602–1619, 18 U.S.C. § 983, and 39 C.F.R. § 233.7.

These provisions authorize the administrative forfeiture of property suspected to be connected to criminal activity, even without criminal charges.

We immediately took action, filing documents timely to contest the forfeiture and initiating communication with the Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) handling the matter.

We ensured that the agency received the response documents before the 35-day deadline, as required under 18 U.S.C. § 983(a)(2)(B).

Our USPIS mailed cash forfeiture lawyer emphasized this strict timing requirement to the client, and we ensured that the paperwork was delivered and confirmed before the deadline.

To support the claim, our legal strategy included gathering critical documents and addressing other legal issues.

By the end of the 90-day period, and after numerous negotiations with our lawyer, the Government agreed to return the currency to our client, rather than litigating with our firm.

Call San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm Today!

If you received a Notice of Seizure letter or were issued a custody receipt for seized property, you are already on a tight legal timeline.

The most common mistake people in this situation make is waiting too long or taking no action under the impression that their assets are simply lost to the Government forever.

At San Diego Defenders—Forfeiture Law Firm, we handle all communications, ensure your paperwork is delivered on time, and construct an effective legal strategy specific to your case.

If USPIS seized your cash in the mail or you’re wondering how to get money back seized by USPIS, we are here to help.

Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation with Attorney Dan Smith. Se habla Español.

Our USPIS mailed cash forfeiture lawyer will review your notice, explain your options, and move quickly to protect your money and your rights.

Our firm handles asset forfeiture cases nationwide, including Arizona, Texas, Florida, Vermont, Washington, Michigan, New York, and all other states in the U.S.!