Los Angeles Bank Robbery Defense Attorneys

Is Bank Robbery a Federal Crime?

Of all possible federal theft crimes, one of the gravest offenses is committed by robbing or attempting to rob a bank. Banks, credit unions, and savings and loan associations have been given responsibility over the assets of millions of United States residents; so, when an individual attempts to steal from such an institute, the federal government steps in to handle the situation.

Penalties for Bank Robbery

The crime of bank robbery and its penalties are found in 18 USC § 2113. When someone enters a bank, credit union, or savings and loan association with the intent to rob the bank, they are guilty of bank robbery whether or not they go through with their intent. This offense is very difficult to prosecute since it must be proven that the individual intended at the time of entry to commit robbery inside the bank. The penalty for this offense is a fine of up to $250,000 and a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

A person could also be charged with bank robbery if caught with an intent to steal any amount of money from a bank or other financial institution. If the amount stolen (or attempted to be stolen) was less than $1,000 or less, the sentence is only up to one year. However, if the amount stolen is valued at more than $1,000, the prison sentence could be as long as 10 years. Both could also include a fine of up to $250,000.

Anyone who aids in such a crime during the event, or afterwards by attempting to conceal the stolen goods, is punishable by the same penalties as the taker of the assets. Also, if the robbery involved assault, the use of a deadly weapon, or the jeopardizing of a life, the prison sentence could be as long as 25 years.