Federal Bank Robbery Defense in Las Vegas

Penalties Under the Federal Bank Robbery Statute

The potential penalty depends on the provision charged and the conduct alleged. Armed bank robbery and allegations involving assault, forced accompaniment, or death carry more severe statutory consequences than the base offense.

The statute establishes the following maximum or minimum penalties:

• Subsection (a): Taking or attempting to take property through force, violence, or intimidation carries up to 20 years in prison.
• Subsection (b): Taking and carrying away bank property with intent to steal carries up to 10 years when its value exceeds $1,000. When the value doesn’t exceed $1,000, the maximum is one year.
• Subsection (d): Assaulting someone or putting a life in jeopardy through the use of a dangerous weapon or device carries up to 25 years.
• Subsection (e): Killing someone or forcing a person to accompany another person without consent during the offense or flight carries a minimum of 10 years. If death results, the statute authorizes life imprisonment or death.

Subsection (c) separately criminalizes knowingly receiving, possessing, concealing, storing, bartering, selling, or disposing of property stolen from a covered financial institution. It can apply even when the person isn’t accused of personally entering the institution or taking property from it.

A statutory maximum doesn’t determine the sentence in an individual case. The applicable charge, proven facts, sentencing rules, and court findings can affect the sentence ultimately imposed.

The Federal Court Process After an Arrest or Indictment

Federal bank robbery cases in Las Vegas are heard at the Lloyd D. George U.S. Courthouse in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. The FBI Las Vegas Division may investigate these allegations alongside local police departments, while federal prosecutors handle the prosecution.

In one Nevada federal prosecution involving three armed bank robberies, the FBI, Henderson Police Department, and North Las Vegas Police Department conducted the investigations. The agencies involved in a particular case depend on where the alleged conduct occurred and how the investigation developed.

Although the sequence can vary, a federal case generally includes:

• Investigation & Arrest: Agents gather evidence before or after an arrest, and prosecutors may seek an indictment.
• Initial Appearance & Detention Hearing: The court addresses the charge, representation, and whether the accused remains detained while the case is pending.
• Arraignment, Discovery & Motions: The accused enters a plea, the parties exchange evidence, and the defense may file pretrial motions.
• Trial, Sentencing & Appeal: Unresolved cases may proceed to trial, followed by sentencing after a conviction and an appeal when legally appropriate.

We represent clients in this court and review the evidence, timelines, and procedural details that may affect each case. Our experience in federal public defense and prosecution informs how we assess the government’s theory, presentation, and supporting proof.