Top West Bend, WI Bank Robbery Lawyers Near You

The Crime of Robbing a Bank

You can be charged with robbing a bank if you use force, violence or intimidation to take property, money or other things of value from a bank. Factors such as the value of the money or property taken, whether a weapon was used in the commission of the crime and whether anyone was injured or killed during the robbery will influence the severity of the crime charged and the sentence imposed.

Is Bank Robbery a Federal Crime?

Bank robbery is considered a federal crime and is almost always tried in federal court. Federal laws cover all financial institutions such as banks, credit unions and savings and loans associations. Exceptions to the rule do exist. As long as the bank or financial institution in question is affiliated with the Federal Reserve, it is protected.

How Long Do You Go to Prison for if Convicted of Bank Robbery?

Bank robbery is considered to be a serious offense from the federal government’s perspective, and the punishments are accordingly quite severe.

The least punitive potential sentence relates to incidents in which the offender steals from the bank any object or sum worth $1,000 or less, without aggravating factors such as a verbal threat of violence (or actual violence) being part of the proceedings. If this is the case, and you are convicted of stealing this lesser sum, you could face up to one year in prison in addition to a fine. If the sum is greater than $1,000, you might face up to 10 years of incarceration.

Being involved with the proceeds of any theft of bank property such as fencing the goods, or knowingly possessing or storing the goods or money, results in the same punishment as outlined above, depending on the circumstances of the crime.

Determining Factors of a Bank Robbery Sentence

If any threat of force, intimidation or actual violence is part of the robbery, the sentence increases. The robbery does not even have to have been completed to apply — the attempt itself qualifies for charges. The penalty for an attempted bank robbery, or bank robbery, involving intimidation, threats or actual violence could result in up to 20 years in federal prison.

If an actual assault or any endangerment of human life through the use of a deadly weapon or device occurs during the crime, you could face up to 25 years jail time. The Department of Justice specifically mentions that toy weapons or hoax bombs are fair game, regardless of whether they pose any real threat.

If you attempt to escape apprehension (for example, the “getaway driver”) there is a mandatory 10 year sentence. If a life is taken during the commission of the crime, you could face a life sentence in addition to the death penalty where applicable.

Is There a Statute of Limitations on Bank Robbery?

At the federal level, the statute of limitations regarding bank robbery is five years. States may vary in their treatment of the crime in terms of their own statute of limitations. In some states, for example, the statute of limitations for bank robbery can range from three to six years, depending on any aggravating factors.

What Are Possible Defenses for Bank Robbery Charges?

As with all criminal defense cases, simple innocence can be a viable defense if the prosecution lacks enough evidence to prove you are guilty. A case of mistaken identity may be argued, particularly if there is a lack of quality video evidence.

Have You Been Charged With Bank Robbery?

Robbery of a bank, credit union or savings and loan association is a serious crime and, if convicted, you could be sentenced to several years in prison. Contact a robbery defense attorney to get the legal advice you need to defend against the charges.

How Can an Attorney Help With a Bank Robbery Charge?

f you’re facing charges related to bank robbery yourself or as an accomplice or accessory, it is vitally important to secure the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

A conviction in response to charges of bank robbery can result in a serious stint in prison as well as steep financial penalties. An attorney familiar with defending crimes related to bank robbery is familiar with established case law as well as all relevant statutes, giving you the best chance of success if your case proceeds to trial.