Defending Bank Robbery Charges
Who doesn’t love a good movie? Films about bank robberies are fan favorites, always packed with action and intrigue. From classic westerns like The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and The Long Riders to modern movies such as Now You See Me and Ambulance, bank robberies have been hyped and glamorized over the years. Have you ever wondered how often bank robberies occur in real life, and when they do, whether they are magnificent adventures? The truth is that yes, they do happen, and no, the penalties often make outcomes anything but magnificent. If you have been charged with bank robbery, you need a tough criminal defense attorney on your side!
Florida Bank Robberies in the News
There have been multiple bank robberies in the Sunshine State recently, including:
- PNC Bank in Daytona Beach was robbed in February of 2025;
- A Seacoast Bank was robbed in January of 2025;
- A Kendall Lakes Truist bank was robbed in November of 2024;
- A Wells Fargo bank was robbed in Davie in July of 2024;
- A Truist Bank in Hollywood was held up in February of 2024.
Penalties
Anyone who thinks they can enjoy the spoils of a bank robbery if they weren’t actually there for the heist, think again. Federal law states clearly anyone can be criminally charged for receiving the stolen money— whether it’s just to hold, temporarily for someone else or to spend and enjoy. If the amount involved is less than $1000, it could mean a year in prison in addition to fines. But if the amount exceeds $1,000, it could result in larger fines and 10 years in a federal prison. Worth noting, these are the exact same penalties that the person who actually robbed the bank could face if they pulled off the heist without making threats or using any violence.
Things get significantly more serious when a bank robbery includes intimidation. Even if no physical harm occurs, just the threat of such harm doubles the potential prison sentence to 20 years. If a victim does experience harm as a result of the bank robbery, another five years can be tacked on, which means up to 25 years behind bars. If anyone is killed during the bank robbery, the offender is looking at life in prison, with the possibility of the death penalty in some cases.
The Defense You Deserve
A robust defense of these charges necessarily begins with a comprehensive investigation that must include the viewing of footage of the robbery in question, interviewing witnesses, assessing forensic evidence, and looking for exculpatory evidence—that which works to exonerate the defendant. After getting a decent handle on what the prosecution has to work with, a knowledgeable defense attorney will develop a plan to defend you. That could mean a lot of things, including:
- Exhibiting alternative theories of the case;
- Concentrating on procedural or technical errors;
- Seeking accountability for any constitutional violations by law enforcement or prosecutors.
A Defense You can Trust
The experienced Kissimmee and Orlando criminal defense attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group know how to fight back. To discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our Kissimmee office today.
Source:
justice.gov/archives/jm/criminal-resource-manual-1349-bank-robbery-general-overview
