The Knox County Sheriff’s Office recently announced that a suspect accused of robbing the U.S. Bank in Knoxville was arrested in a joint operation coordinated by Knoxville Police Department and the FBI. A federal bank robbery warrant was issued for the individual’s arrest after he was identified as a suspect. The individual was charged with bank robbery and is held at a local jail without bond. The man’s criminal history includes charges related to the manufacture, delivery, and sale of methamphetamines. There are a number of convictions made for bank robberies each year. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that there are about 5,000 bank robberies committed each year resulting in more than $30 million being stolen. If convicted of bank robbery, an individual can face particularly serious penalties. If you are charged with bank robbery, experienced legal representation can be particularly helpful.

Applicable Federal Bank Robbery Law

Bank robbery is defined as taking anything of value from a bank or other type of financial institution by the use of force, intimidation, threats, or violence. There are three main types of robbery: armed robbery involving the use of a deadly weapon, unarmed robbery with no deadly weapon present, and individuals who are found in possession of property taken during a robbery. In order to be considered a federal offense, a robbery must be linked to a federal institution. Because many banks and financial institutions are federally insured, bank robberies are often considered federal crimes.

Penalties for Bank Robbery

Being convicted of bank robbery will result in individuals charged with serious penalties. Penalties for bank robberies often result in significant fines and imprisonment for a length of up to 10 years. If an individual used a deadly weapon during the bank robbery or someone died as a result of the robbery, an individual can face even more serious penalties including up to 25 years in prison.

Potential Defenses

While being convicted of a bank robbery can result in particularly severe penalties, our firm is able to construct strong defenses in order to respond to such charges. Our firm will conduct a thorough investigation of the robbery, gather all available evidence, and create the best legal strategy possible. Some of the various defenses that might be raised include:

• No Use of Force, Intimidation, or Violence. If an individual did not use force, intimidation, or violence, an individual will not be convicted of federal bank robbery.
• The Location Robbed Was Not a Bank or Financial Institution. If the location robbed was not a financial institution, an individual cannot be charged with bank robbery.
• Mistaken Identity. If an individual is able to demonstrate that the individual has been mistaken as the person who performed the robbery, the individual will not be convicted of federal bank robbery.

How a Talented Decatur Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

If you are charged with a bank robbery, the resulting penalties can include large fines and significant amounts of time in prison. For individuals who are charged with these types of offenses, it is a wise idea to contact a skilled attorney who can make sure that your case resolves in a positive manner. Contact the Federal Criminal Law Center in Decatur, Georgia in order to obtain strong legal defense by calling 404.633.3797.