Bank robbery is a felony with serious penalties in the event of a conviction of the accused. Prosecutors often seek to add charges that can result in sentences which, for all intents and purposes, mean a lifetime behind bars. If you or a family member has been charged with this offense, you need to retain an expert in serious criminal matters. Contact the Law Offices of Geoffrey G. Nathan.
Bank Robbery vs. Bank Burglary
Bank robberies and bank burglaries both involve taking money from a financial institution. The difference is that a burglary involves breaking in after hours, while a robbery occurs during business hours, while victims are present. Robbery by definition means taking, or attempting to take, anything of value from the control of a person by force, threat of force, or intimidation.
Bank Robbery Penalties and Enhancements
While violent takeover robberies are fairly rare, prosecutors will use any opportunity to add additional charges, such as the use of weapons or kidnapping. Federal statutes declare that any person who uses force, violence, or intimidation to take money from a bank can be sentenced up to 20 years in prison. If the same robbery involves an assault, or if someone's life is jeopardized by the use of a deadly weapon, the maximum increases to 25 years.
The taking of hostages enables the prosecutors to add possible kidnapping charges, which can add 10 more years to a sentence. It is considered kidnaping if someone is confined by, or forced to accompany, a robber who is attempting to avoid arrest. Finally, if anyone is killed during the course of the robbery it allows prosecutors to seek life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Contact the Law Offices of Geoffrey G. Nathan
Bank robbery is a federal felony offense, and federal prosecutors have the full force of the FBI behind them. In order to protect your rights, you need a bank robbery lawyer who is experienced in dealing with crimes on the federal level. Attorney Nathan has a proven track record of dealing with these serious criminal matters. Contact the Law Offices of Geoffrey G. Nathan today.