Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 07:18 pm

Defending Federal Bank Robbery Charges Under 18 U.S.C. § 2113

Among the most serious federal felony offenses a defendant can face are bank robbery charges under 18 USC § 2113. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, which can lead to decades in prison. But for someone facing federal bank robbery allegations, an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can often limit consequences through strong advocacy. Here is an overview of navigating federal bank robbery allegations and defending your rights.

Conduct Covered Under Federal Bank Robbery Laws

The expansive federal bank robbery statute covers wide-ranging conduct related to taking money through force or intimidation, including:

• Robbing banks, credit unions, and savings & loan associations
• Attempting to rob the above institutions
• Entering to commit bank robbery with intent
• Assaulting others to commit or flee from robbery
• Taking bank funds through force, violence, or intimidation
• Kidnapping bank employees or bystanders
• Killing someone while committing or fleeing robbery
• Aiding and abetting, or acting as accessory to robbery

This statute gives federal jurisdiction over almost any conduct related to bank robbery by use or threat of force. Facing charges can feel daunting. But the right lawyer can stand up to excessive allegations.

Hiring an Assertive Federal Bank Robbery Attorney

Given the lengthy sentences possible, defending bank robbery charges requires a federal criminal lawyer with specific expertise litigating these complex cases. Look for:

• Hands-on experience defending § 2113 charges
• Litigation skills honed in federal court
• Sharp legal mind able to identify procedural flaws
• Willingness to take cases to trial when warranted
• Ability to develop rapport with judges and prosecutors
• Sentencing guidelines knowledge to minimize penalties
• Resources to take on intensive federal cases
• Commitment to personalized service and communication

Do not leave your future in the hands of counsel without relevant federal criminal defense experience. The stakes are too high.

Trusted Federal Bank Robbery Lawyers

The Federal Bank Robbery Charges Process

While timelines vary based on case complexity, those facing bank robbery charges generally undergo:

• Arrest, booking, and initial appearance in federal court
• Detention hearing fighting potential pre-trial incarceration
• Grand jury indictment formalizing § 2113 felony charges
• Arraignment involving entering a plea to charges
• Extensive trial preparation including witness interviews
• Defense investigation and motions aiming to suppress evidence
• Plea negotiations with federal prosecutors if appropriate
• Federal sentencing advocacy if charges stick after plea or trial

An experienced federal criminal lawyer guides you through each stage to maximize positive outcomes. Never go it alone.

Sentencing for Federal Bank Robbery Charges

Federal judges impose harsh sentences for bank robbery reflecting public demand for stern punishment:

• Up to 20 years for robbery, attempted robbery, or armed robbery
• Up to 25 years for kidnapping during robbery
• Life imprisonment for forced accompanying death

Sentences escalate further based on:

• Prior criminal history
• Brandishing or discharging a firearm during the robbery
• Causing injuries during the robbery
• Being a gang member or organized crime participant
• Number of banks robbed if part of a spree rather than one-time offense

However, experienced sentencing advocacy identifying grounds for downward departures or variances can still make a sizable difference even on serious charges.

Common Bank Robbery Defenses and Strategies

While the government portrays bank robbery cases as slam dunks, skilled federal defense lawyers know how to spot issues. Strategies may include:

Misidentification

Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable. Diligently impeaching witnesses on cross-examination can sow reasonable doubt.

Duress

If you only assisted due to threats against your safety, duress defenses may defeat charges by negating criminal intent.

False Confessions

Alleging coercive interrogation techniques forced a false admission allows excluding confessions from evidence.

Mental State Defenses

Presenting psychiatrists who determine mental disability prevented understanding conduct or charges may defeat culpability.

Plea Bargaining

Providing prosecutors substantial assistance through cooperation may exchange leniency on charges and sentencing.

Resourceful federal lawyers find ways to overcome steep odds through exhaustive preparation and creativity. But you need an experienced guide.

Why Federal Criminal Experience is Crucial

Given the harsh federal sentencing landscape, retaining a federal criminal defense lawyer is essential. Unlike state criminal matters, federal cases present:

• Complex federal statutes imposing mandatory minimum sentences
• Sentencing guidelines tightly limiting judicial discretion
• Sophisticated federal law enforcement investigative tactics
• Prosecution teams with immense resources and broad jurisdiction
• Stricter rules of federal criminal procedure
• Very few viable defense options
• Little parole eligibility unlike state cases
• Need for advocacy at detention, plea, trial, and sentencing stages

Navigating these challenges requires counsel specifically experienced handling complex federal matters. Anything less invites grave consequences when liberty is at stake. Insist on excellence.

Tips for Hiring a Federal Bank Robbery Lawyer

When facing federal prosecution, picking the right lawyer for you matters as much as credentials. Consider:

• Comfort level communicating – Find lawyers who listen carefully and explain clearly.
• Track record with similar clients – Ask how much experience they have guiding clients like you through the process.
• Realistic outlook – The lawyer should be honest about challenges but willing to aggressively contest unjust charges.
• Attention to detail – Prioritizing meticulous preparation signals the diligence you need.
• Engaged advocacy – Look for tireless commitment to clients rather than aloofness. This suggests passion for the work.
• Affordability – Rates are higher with federal lawyers but many offer flexible retainers and payment plans.

Vetting counsel thoroughly before entrusting your life in their hands is crucial. Never settle – the stakes could not be higher.

Next Steps If You Are Charged with Bank Robbery

If you have been arrested on or questioned regarding federal bank robbery allegations under § 2113, crucial next steps include:

• Decline to answer any investigative questions until your lawyer is present.
• Be prepared for prosecutors to request pre-trial detention – hire counsel to fight for release.
• Ask counsel to demand formal discovery from the prosecution to assess the evidence early.
• Follow advice carefully on whether to cooperate with authorities or proceed to trial.
• Avoid actions that could constitute obstruction of justice under any circumstances.
• Trust in your lawyer’s guidance, even if you disagree with their strategic analysis.

With an elite federal defense lawyer’s help, the worst outcomes can often be avoided, even in serious alleged crimes. But you must act now to protect your rights. Do not delay.