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:
| Offense | Maximum Prison Sentence |
|---|---|
| Attempted or actual robbery without a weapon | Up to 20 years |
| Robbery with a weapon or assault | Up to 25 years |
| Robbery causing death | Up to life imprisonment or death penalty |
| Armed robbery with hostage-taking | Up to life imprisonment |
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:
- Unarmed Bank Robbery (2021, Michigan)
- Offender: 32-year-old male, first-time offender
- Stole: $2,900
- Sentence: 9 years in federal prison
- Armed Bank Robbery (2019, Texas)
- Offender: Gang member, used firearm, no one injured
- Stole: $15,000
- Sentence: 18 years
- 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).
| Firearm Involvement | Additional Prison Time |
|---|---|
| Carried a gun | +5 years minimum |
| Brandished the gun | +7 years minimum |
| Fired the gun | +10 years minimum |
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:
- Arrest → FBI leads investigation
- Federal Indictment → Prosecuted in U.S. District Court
- Trial or Plea Deal → Over 85% take plea bargains
- Sentencing Hearing → Judge uses Federal Sentencing Guidelines
- 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
| Factor | Federal Law | State Law |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | FDIC-insured banks | State-chartered banks |
| Sentencing | Harsher, no parole | Varies by state |
| Investigators | FBI | State Police/Local PD |
| Prosecutors | U.S. Attorney | District Attorney |
| Average Sentence | 8–20 years | 5–15 years (varies widely) |
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.
FAQs
Can You Go to Jail for Attempting a Bank Robbery?
Yes. Attempting a bank robbery carries the same penalties as actually completing it under 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a).
What If the Gun Is Fake?
Even a toy gun or unloaded weapon can trigger enhanced penalties if victims reasonably believed it was real. Courts look at intent and perception, not just the weapon’s authenticity.
Is It Still Bank Robbery If No Money Was Taken?
Yes. Intent + action = crime, regardless of the outcome. You don’t need to leave with the cash to get the full sentence.
Do Bank Robbers Usually Get Caught?
Yes. Bank robbery is one of the highest-solved crimes in America, with an arrest rate of over 60%. Between surveillance, GPS-tracked bills, and public tips, most robbers are caught within days.
How Can Someone Defend Against Bank Robbery Charges?
Common defenses include:
Mistaken identity
Lack of intent
Alibi
Mental illness or incapacity
But in most cases, evidence (videos, witness statements, dye packs, etc.) makes conviction likely.
