BANK ROBBERY 

Bank robbery has been a staple of the American criminal scene for hundreds of years. People rob banks because they’re full of money. Even as banks and banking systems become more sophisticated, bank robberies still occur. It’s important to note that although bank robberies essentially consist of going into a bank and demanding money through the threat of violence, there are a variety of different circumstances that can lead to a charge of bank robbery or other additional charges. If you or somebody you love has been charged with bank robbery, it’s important to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case.

Elements of a Bank Robbery

We’re all familiar with what a bank robbery looks like. We’ve seen them in dozens of movies and television shows. It’s important to note that a few specific elements have to be present in order for a certain crime to be considered a bank robbery. First, there must be a presence of a gun or other type of weapon (or the implication of a weapon). Also, there has to be a threat of injury or death. Finally, money has to be stolen. While you might think it’s okay because nobody got hurt, the eyes of the law might see differently.

Elements That Can Impact Your Case

What if There Was no Weapon Present?

A bank can be robbed with or without a weapon. In fact, all there needs to be is the implication of a weapon or the threat of violence to satisfy one of the main elements of a bank robbery. Often times, we see banks or other locations robbed with threatening notes. There might not be a weapon in the area, but the note alludes to one. Similarly, it’s possible for banks to be robbed with the implication of a weapon under one’s shirt or somewhere on one’s body. The criminal justice system looks at this in much the same way as it does a bank robbery where an actual weapon was present. It’s also important to note that when actual weapons are present, you could be facing steeper penalties or additional charges.