An NJ man traveling through the state of Tenn. had $22k confiscated from police. While the police officer admits that no laws were broken, the reason that the money was confiscated was because no law abiding citizen travels around with that much cash and must intend on using it for nefarious purposes. Some of the quotes in this article by the PD and the circumstances in which the money was confiscated will blow your mind! Also adding that in order to get his money back, this NJ resident had to pay his own way back to Tenn. to retrieve his stolen property

 

 

http://www.newschann...for-profit-case

Wow,, crazy..

Free America, huh? Jeez.

This is going on in many states, not just Tennessee:

 

http://forfeiturelawblog.com/

 

...

In March, 2009, Howard Witt wrote in an article for the Chicago Tribune, describing the infamous practice in Tenaha, Texas, where the local police would stop motorists driving through town and, after discovering that they were carrying large amounts of cash, would present the motorist with the choice of either being charged with a crime or “signing over” their money, in effect waiving their right to contest the police seizure of their property. From Mr. Witt’s article:

 

In some cases, police used the fact that motorists were carrying large amounts of cash as evidence that they must have been involved in laundering drug money, even though Guillory said each of the drivers he contacted could account for where the money had come from and why they were carrying it—such as for a gambling trip to Shreveport, La., or to purchase a used car from a private seller.

 

Once the motorists were detained, the police and the local Shelby County district attorney quickly drew up legal papers presenting them with an option: waive their rights to their cash and property or face felony charges for crimes such as money laundering—and the prospect of having to hire a lawyer and return to Shelby County multiple times to attend court sessions to contest the charges. ...

Good thing I don't have a ton of spare cash

Personally, if I won 20 large in Vegas and was headed home. I think i'd go Western Union first.

Interesting topic, that got me thinking. What's a "reasonable" amount a cash that a Normal Joe could have on him without raising suspicions if being searched? For example, I always have anywhere between $250-$400 on my person, at all times. Could I expect to get hassled, if I ever had to "empty my pockets" or something along those lines?

Totality of the circumstances. Where are you coming from/going to. Does your story match. What time is it. Is it all small bills like a dealer might have. There is a lot that goes into a subject stop.

What's a "reasonable" amount a cash that a Normal Joe could have on him without raising suspicions if being searched?

 

Unless having cash is illegal, the answer is "none." When did it become a citizen's burden to always prove he is innocent at all times?

I'd like to know what he was doing with that much cash. Let's face it, even though it may not be enough to confiscate the cash, it IS suspicious. Carrying a large amount of cash is just plain stupid when there's so many other ways to pay for things. So yes, it is suspicious.

Unless having cash is illegal, the answer is "none." When did it become a citizen's burden to always prove he is innocent at all times?

 

 

Exactly. That's my point, but thus, look at the top of the thread. Having 22K on you're person is probably extreme in somes eyes. I was just wondering if our local LE have a number in their minds they use for raising suspicion.

Totality of the circumstances. Where are you coming from/going to. Does your story match. What time is it. Is it all small bills like a dealer might have. There is a lot that goes into a subject stop.

 

Should that matter? Its not illegal to carry large amts of cash.

 

Yes obviously if you have suspission of dealing/other evidence, the money (esp small bills) will support this. But who's to say that the person isnt a waiter/waitress thats been saving tips and petty cash for years? I dont think they should HAVE to explain why they have cash. Thats their business.

I'd like to know what he was doing with that much cash.

 

George Reby said that he told Monterey officers that "I had active bids on EBay, that I was trying to buy a vehicle. They just didn't want to hear it."

In fact, Reby had proof on his computer.

 

Personally, if I won 20 large in Vegas and was headed home. I think i'd go Western Union first.

 

Just have the casino write you a check. I've done this in both Vegas and AC. No charge.

 

Interesting topic, that got me thinking. What's a "reasonable" amount a cash that a Normal Joe could have on him without raising suspicions if being searched? For example, I always have anywhere between $250-$400 on my person, at all times. Could I expect to get hassled, if I ever had to "empty my pockets" or something along those lines?

 

I don't think that amount would arise any suspicion. I can only speak from my own experience. If you were some gangbanger with a bit more in small bills it might be construed that was from drug sales.

 

The agency I worked for was involved in enforcing currency laws. Just about every Federal agency has jurisdiction in this area. I remember when these bs currency seizures with no arrest were started mostly down south. Under Federal and what I know of NJ money laundering laws you have show relationship between the money and a crime. Some of those bs money seizures were based on a narcotics dog alerting on the money. The fact is just about every $100 bill that has been out. In circulation for a little bit will wind up with trace amounts of illicit drugs on it.

How would the LEO's even know he had the money on him? How is it illegal to carry any amount of money? That would totally piss me off. I have walked out of coin shops with over $7k in my pocket, is that illegal?

Since when is carrying cash on your person a crime?

 

The only time I am aware of that you must disclose that you are carrying large amounts of cash is at customs, and even then it's not illegal to do it, just illegal to not disclose it.

 

 

"Why do you have 20k in $20s?"

 

"Respectfully, Officer, none of your business."

 

"Where are you going at this hour?"

 

"Respectfully, Officer, none of your business."

It is relevant to the stop. I dont waste time asking things if i dont want an answer. Your evasive answers are going to keep you there longer. Not because im being a dick but now my suspicion is heightened. Makes me think you have something to hide. Why get so defensive over a simple question.

Well as long as you then dont mind waiting for me to get a warrant to search the car. Based on your evasiveness and the large quantity of money a judge most likely will give me a warrant. Now we can all sit and wait. Doesnt matter to me. But if you give me answers that make sense i will send you on your way.

Why get so defensive over a simple question.

 

Because you're fishing. You're seeking a lever by which to put me in jail and wreck my life. You think I shouldn't be defensive about it?

Just goes to show you that you should not allow a cop to search you vehicle without a warrant. Why should it even matter what amount of cash he is carrying.

 

I have carried large amounts of cash going to auto auctions in the past. I think it's my right to walk around with any amount of cash I see fit on my person. Normal people do what ever they want. Do I feel it's a smart move carrying 20k? no! Would I do it? no! but hey, this is the USA where your immocent until proven guilty or at least we thought we were.

 

That cop violated him and then made him sign off his rights under duress (spelling).

 

Because you're fishing. You're seeking a lever by which to put me in jail and wreck my life. You think I shouldn't be defensive about it?

 

Here we go. You're right. I look to do that to innocent people every day. What a stupid comment.

It is relevant to the stop. I dont waste time asking things if i dont want an answer. Your evasive answers are going to keep you there longer. Not because im being a dick but now my suspicion is heightened. Makes me think you have something to hide. Why get so defensive over a simple question.

 

I have to disagree. Whats revelant is the reason you puled me over. Not questions that will just give you a bigger collar if you can make something stick.

Just goes to show you that you should not allow a cop to search you vehicle without a warrant. Why should it even matter what amount of cash he is carrying.I have carried large amounts of cash going to auto auctions in the past. I think it's my right to walk around with any amount of cash I see fit on my person. Normal people do what ever they want. Do I feel it's a smart move carrying 20k? no! Would I do it? no! but hey, this is the USA where your immocent until proven guilty or at least we thought we were.That cop violated him and then made him sign off his rights under duress (spelling).

Your answer of auto auction is a valid one. Off you go on your way because you provided a valid reason why. In this day and age it makes no sense but do what you want.

Officer, I respect that you're doing your job. I'm not breaking any law that I know of. I don't consent to any searches without a warrant. Am I free to go?

Here we go. You're right. I look to do that to innocent people every day. What a stupid comment.

 

If I give you the wrong answers it will cost me money, time and possible arrest and incarceration. The issue is, every person is different, so today it may be the right answer, tomorrow it's the wrong answer. Again, I ask I shouldn't be defensive about it?

 

I think it's stupid that cops think they have a right to know ANYTHING beyond the immediate circumstances.

Your answer of auto auction is a valid one. Off you go on your way because you provided a valid reason why. In this day and age it makes no sense but do what you want.

 

Unless something has changed, carrying X amount of money on your person is not a crime, and therefore does not require an explanation...

I'd like to know what he was doing with that much cash. Let's face it, even though it may not be enough to confiscate the cash, it IS suspicious. Carrying a large amount of cash is just plain stupid when there's so many other ways to pay for things. So yes, it is suspicious.

 

Some people don't trust the banks. There is no crime being committed. I don't see why legal law abiding citizens have to be treated like criminals.

 

Hell someone could play the "What is the need for so many guns/ammo? Its suspicious that someone needs more than 2 boxes at any one time."

Some people don't trust the banks. There is no crime being committed. I don't see why legal law abiding citizens have to be treated like criminals.

 

Hell someone could play the "What is the need for so many guns/ammo? Its suspicious that someone needs more than 2 boxes at any one time."

 

Yes, banks just randomly steal money out of peoples bank accounts

 

I don't really see an issue with questions being asked. People ask why I have guns, I explain. People ask why I have more than two boxes of ammo, I explain. Everything's legal, I have nothing to hide. I'm sorry, but carrying $20k in cash is suspicious. Nobody's treating someone like a criminal simply by asking questions. The bottom line is that more times than not, someone is carrying around that much cash to do something illegal without a paper trail. I think people here need to chill out on LEO. Yea we hear the horror stories like this one, but the other 99.9% of the times they're doing right by us. Get over it.

"Why do you have 20k in $20s?"

"Respectfully, Officer, none of your business."

"Where are you going at this hour?"

"Respectfully, Officer, none of your business."

 

In an ideal world maybe but

 

The real problem here is twofold. 1. most people don't know their rights and will answer the question. 2. if you exercise your rights the cop will make you pay for it by busting your chops or keeping you there all day. I've never met a cop (even those I'm friends with) who isn't a dick in that way. It's an abuse of power. Perhaps not the question but certainly punishing someone for exercising a right when they aren't even breaking the law... that's abuse of power.

 

Yes, banks just randomly steal money out of peoples bank accounts

 

 

They have in the past and they did so recently with the help of the gov, no less.

It is relevant to the stop. I dont waste time asking things if i dont want an answer. Your evasive answers are going to keep you there longer. Not because im being a dick but now my suspicion is heightened. Makes me think you have something to hide. Why get so defensive over a simple question.

 

It's not an evasive answer, it IS the answer to the question, because it is none of your damn business. So you are in fact, "being a dick".

 

 

Here we go. You're right. I look to do that to innocent people every day. What a stupid comment.

 

Not a stupid comment, but a disgusting response by you. The fact that you feel special because you have perceived authority and it should allow you to get the answer to any question you want is a problem. You want to know why you and Jules receive flack for some of your posts? Well there is why. If something is legal, it is legal, it it doesn't matter what the heck the reason is, it isn't any of your business. Your lack of respect for others is why people don't respect you in these matters.