Bank Robbery Prison Sentence: Federal Charges, Penalties & Real Sentences

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in 2022 alone, 1,952 bank robberies were reported across the United States. That’s more than five bank robberies every single day. Despite tighter security and advanced surveillance tech, bank robbery remains a serious federal crime — and the punishment?

What Is Bank Robbery?

Under 18 U.S. Code § 2113, bank robbery is defined as:

“Whoever, by force and violence, or by intimidation, takes, or attempts to take, from the person or presence of another… any property or money or any other thing of value belonging to, or in the care, custody, control, management, or possession of any bank…”

If you try to take money from a bank using violence, threats, or intimidation — even if you don’t succeed — you’ve committed bank robbery under federal law.

It doesn’t matter if the bank is big or small, or even if it’s part of a credit union. If it’s federally insured — and most banks are — it falls under federal jurisdiction.

Federal vs. State Charges: Who Handles It?

Most bank robberies in the U.S. are prosecuted by federal authorities. Why?

Because nearly all banks are federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which gives the feds jurisdiction.

That means:

• The FBI investigates bank robberies
• The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes them
• Sentencing follows federal sentencing guidelines

However, in some cases (especially failed attempts or smaller amounts), state prosecutors can step in — but that’s rare.

Learn More: Is Driving Without a License a Felony?

How Long Is the Prison Sentence for Bank Robbery?

Federal Sentencing Guidelines (18 U.S.C. § 2113)

Here’s what the law says:

There’s no mandatory minimum sentence for a simple bank robbery without weapons or injuries — but don’t let that fool you. The average sentence is 8 to 15 years, and it goes up fast with aggravating factors.

Some Case Studies

A few real-life sentences case studies:

1. Unarmed Bank Robbery (2021, Michigan)
   • Offender: 32-year-old male, first-time offender
   • Stole: $2,900
   • Sentence: 9 years in federal prison
2. Armed Bank Robbery (2019, Texas)
   • Offender: Gang member, used firearm, no one injured
   • Stole: $15,000
   • Sentence: 18 years
3. Robbery with Hostage (2020, California)
   • Offender: Repeat offender, held 3 hostages, used firearm
   • Sentence: Life in prison under federal law

What Makes the Sentence Worse? (Aggravating Factors)

Bank robbery sentences increase dramatically based on aggravating circumstances, such as:

Use of a Firearm

If a gun is brandished, discharged, or used, additional penalties apply under 18 U.S. Code § 924(c).

These years are stacked on top of the base sentence and must be served consecutively, not concurrently.

Hostage-Taking or Kidnapping

Under 18 U.S.C. § 1201, using hostages or kidnapping during a bank robbery can lead to life imprisonment.

Injury or Death

If anyone is hurt or killed during the robbery:

• The sentence can increase to life
• In some rare cases, the death penalty is applied (though rarely executed)

Prior Criminal Record

If the offender has previous felony convictions, especially violent ones:

• Sentence enhancements can be applied
• Under the Three Strikes Law, life imprisonment is possible

What Happens After Conviction?

Here’s what the timeline looks like after someone is convicted of bank robbery:

1. Arrest → FBI leads investigation
2. Federal Indictment → Prosecuted in U.S. District Court
3. Trial or Plea Deal → Over 85% take plea bargains
4. Sentencing Hearing → Judge uses Federal Sentencing Guidelines
5. Federal Prison → No parole, must serve at least 85% of sentence

Can You Ever Get Out Early?

Federal inmates are not eligible for parole (since it was abolished in 1987). However:

• They can earn good conduct time — up to 54 days/year
• They may qualify for compassionate release (due to illness or old age)
• Appeals or sentence reductions are rare but possible

Federal vs. State Penalties

Bank Robbery in Numbers (FBI Stats 2022)

• 1,952 bank robberies reported nationwide
• 87% involved a male offender
• 57% involved some kind of weapon (gun, knife, etc.)
• 31% of robberies resulted in an arrest within 48 hours
• Average amount stolen: $6,515
• Only 23% of stolen money recovered

Final Thought

Bank robbery isn’t just an old-school crime from the wild west. It’s a federal felony with devastating consequences. From long federal sentences to lifetime records, the fallout can last forever.

Even without firing a weapon or stealing a dollar, someone convicted of bank robbery could still spend decades behind bars. And in 2025, with digital surveillance and federal task forces on high alert, getting away with it is nearly impossible.

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