Chicago Bank Robbery Attorney

Is Bank Robbery a Federal Crime?

Bank robbery is a serious federal offense punishable by decades in prison, substantial fines, or both. A defendant may incur charges for the violent or non-violent taking of assets from institutions belonging to the Federal Reserve System including banks, credit unions, and trust companies. 

The FBI can be aggressive in the pursuit of convictions and if you have been accused of bank robbery or are a suspect in an investigation, it is vital to contact Pissetzky Law LLC as soon as possible. Our Chicago federal defense lawyers are dedicated to helping clients overcome the charges they face, one piece of evidence at a time.

Need a hard-hitting defense? Call (312) 883-9466 today for an initial consultation.

Federal Bank Robbery Charges and Penalties in Illinois

In order to successfully convict a person of federal bank robbery, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly and intentionally took money or property belonging to a financial institution with the intent to deprive it of its right to it. Furthermore, they must demonstrate that this act was done by force, violence, or intimidation, or by putting someone in fear. The crime also has certain jurisdictional requirements; namely, that the bank is federally insured and situated within federal jurisdiction.

It is important to note that bank robbery is not limited just to physical banks; it also includes any institution whose funds are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This means that stealing from ATMs and credit unions are considered bank robberies as well and punishable by the same laws.  In addition, attempting to rob a bank is also a crime under federal law; meaning even if the robbery is not successful, you may still face punishment.

According to 18 U.S.C. § 2113,  federal law states that bank robbery is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a fine of $250,000. However, there a several situations that could result in increased penalties.

For example, if an offender assaults someone else during the commission of the offense or use a dangerous weapon or device, then a conviction could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 25 years. Additionally, if you kidnap or kill another person in the course of the offense or while attempting to flee from law enforcement officials, you could face lifetime imprisonment.

In addition, if someone assists with a bank robbery, they may face punishment of up to 10 years in prison. Furthermore, anyone convicted of two or more bank robberies will receive a minimum sentence of 7 years in prison.

Combating Evidence in Robbery Cases

Technology has come to play an ever-increasing role in bank robbery investigations. Evidence often includes security camera footage, dyed or marked bills, tracking devices, and other advanced security measures. With the ever-growing sophistication of evidence in these cases, the importance of working with a skilled defense attorney cannot be overstated. No matter what evidence prosecutors present against you, our firm can help you understand your options for overcoming the legal hurdles ahead.