Federal investigators handle a wide variety of crimes. Amongst those offenses is bank robbery. Bank robbery and attempted bank robbery are taken extremely seriously by the federal government, and a criminal conviction for such a crime could land an individual in prison for up to 20 years. This lengthy sentence, in addition to imposed fines, can really take a toll on an individual’s life, making it extremely difficult for the person to get it back on track.
Bank robbery offenses, like many other crimes, have a wide-range of penalties depending on the seriousness of the crime. For example, if an individual attempts to rob a bank with the use of force or intimidation, whether successful or not, up to 20 years in prison may be doled out. However, if an individual takes something of value from a bank or credit union that exceeds $1,000 in value with the use of force or intimidation, then the applicable prison sentence can be up to 10 years. If no force or intimidation is used to take something of value less than $1,000, then the maximum sentence may be limited to one year.
It is important to note that penalties can be enhanced if other factors are present during the crime. For example, if an individual is assaulted during a bank robbery or attempted bank robbery, or uses a weapon during the commission of the crime, then 25 years in prison may be handed down. If death results from the robbery, then an individual may be subjected to life in prison or the death sentence.
It can be scary to face arrest and federal crime allegations. The penalties are steep, potentially ruining an individual’s life. Therefore, when an individual becomes the focus of a federal investigation, it might be wise for the person to contact a well-reputed defense attorney.
Source: Legal Information Institute, “18 U.S. Code § 2113 – Bank robbery and incidental crimes,” accessed on Apr. 3, 2015