The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules in place about screening before you get on a plane and what can go in your checked baggage. If you violate these rules, you could face significant civil penalties and the possibility of criminal charges in some cases.
The attorneys from Goldman Wetzel can help you understand your rights and the penalties you may face. We will represent you throughout the process, and help you fight any charges or penalties you face.
TSA Civil Penalties for Weapons
The TSA imposes fines for airline passengers who attempt to take banned weapons onto a plane. This could include:
- On their person
- In carry-on luggage
- In checked bags
There is a long list of banned items, including:
- Guns
- Ammunition
- Explosives
- Some knives
Civil Penalties for Attempting to Carry a Weapon on a Plane
Civil penalties for carrying a weapon on your person or in your carry-on luggage vary based on the situation and the type of weapon. In some cases, you could also face criminal charges.
- Loaded firearms: $3,000 to $7,500
- Firearms with accessible ammunition: $3,000 to $7,500
- Unloaded firearms: $1,500 to $3,000
- Other weapons: $250 to $1,500
- Banned chemicals: $250 to $1,500
- Incendiaries: $250 to $1,500
- Explosives: $6,000 to $10,000
- Ammunition: $250 to $1,500
Civil Penalties for Weapons in Checked Bags
In some cases, it is legal to travel with weapons in your checked baggage. For example, you can check an unloaded gun as long as you follow very strict rules that include securing it in a hard-shelled case closed with a lock. In cases where there is a ban, you may receive significant fines as a civil penalty plus referral to criminal court. Civil fines include:
- Loaded firearms: $1,000 to $2,000
- Firearms with accessible ammunition: $1,000 to $2,000
- Unloaded firearms, undeclared: $500 to $1,000
- Forearms not packaged according to TSA rules: $500 to $1,000
- Incendiaries: $250 to $1,500
- Explosives: $6,000 to $10,000
- Ammunition that does not meet exceptions to ban: $250 to $1,500
Other Actions with Civil Penalties
You may also face civil penalties for behaviors besides attempting to bring weapons on a plane. For example, anything that significantly disrupts the screening process for others could lead to a fine. This might include:
- Uncooperative behavior such as refusing to follow screening protocol
- Attempting to conceal prohibited items in a way that causes a security backup
- Physically blocking others from screening and refusing to move
- Assaulting a TSA agent
The penalties associated with interference of safety screenings or trying to circumvent these screenings can be significant. They include:
- Interference using physical contact: $1,500 to $5,000
- Interference with non-physical contact only: $500 to $1,500
- Making false threats: $1,000 to $2,000
- Committing fraud or attempting falsification: $2,500 to $6,000
Let the Goldman Wetzel Attorneys Fight for You
If you face civil penalties after a run-in with TSA flying in or out of TPA or another nearby airport, the attorneys from Goldman Wetzel are here to help. Our team can help you understand the penalties, explain your rights, and represent you throughout the process.
We understand accidents happen and people make mistakes. We will zealously represent you, fighting to reduce the penalties against you and reduce the risk of criminal charges. In some cases, we may be able to clear your name.
When you hire us, you hire both of our attorneys. Lawyers Summer Goldman and Maribeth Wetzel work together on every case. This ensures we look at every case from every angle — Ms. Goldman is a former prosecutor and Ms. Wetzel is a career defense attorney. Call our office at 727-828-3900 today.
Talk to Tampa TSA Civil Penalties Attorneys Today
The Goldman Wetzel criminal defense attorneys understand how TSA screening rules work and the civil penalties you may face. We can explain what may happen in your case and take action to reduce the risk of criminal charges. Let us help you defend yourself. We may be able to help the TSA see things from your point of view.
We serve clients throughout the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. This includes St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, and Sarasota.
Call us today at 727-828-3900 to discuss your case. We are standing by to take your call.