Bank robbery under 18 U.S.C. § 2113 is a federal crime prosecuted exclusively by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The FBI Los Angeles Field Office with dedicated Bank Crime Squads investigates every bank robbery in Los Angeles with extraordinary resources. Conviction means mandatory federal prison terms. Visit our Los Angeles office immediately if you or a loved one is under investigation.
The Bulldog Law brings elite federal court experience to bank robbery defense. Identification, intent, and constitutional challenges are our tools and we use them all.
Understanding 18 U.S.C. § 2113 Bank Robbery
18 U.S.C. § 2113(a) prohibits taking by force, intimidation, or extortion from a bank or savings institution. The base offense carries up to 20 years in federal prison.
§ 2113(d) use of a dangerous weapon or device carries up to 25 years. § 2113(e) kidnapping in connection with a bank robbery carries life imprisonment or death. Assault causing death during a bank robbery (§ 2113(e)) also carries life or death.
Los Angeles sees significant bank robbery activity, and the FBI's Bank Crime Unit responds with video evidence, dye pack tracking, GPS tracking devices, and extensive witness interviews.
How The Bulldog Challenges FBI Evidence
Bank robbery cases in Los Angeles are visual evidence cases. The FBI relies heavily on branch surveillance footage, ATM cameras, and surrounding business cameras. We fight video evidence strategically.
Facial identification from surveillance footage is inherently imprecise. We retain video forensics experts and facial recognition specialists to challenge government identification testimony. Many convictions have been overturned because of faulty video identification.
DNA and fingerprint evidence from demand notes, counters, and getaway vehicles must follow strict chain of custody and laboratory procedures. We challenge forensic evidence integrity at every step.
Alibi investigation is launched the moment we take a case. Cell phone location data, credit card records, and witness accounts can establish our client was not at the bank at the time of the robbery.
Intent and identification are distinct. Even if our client was present at the scene, the government must prove our client was the person who committed the robbery not a bystander, accomplice with a limited role, or mistaken identity victim.
What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Federal Bank Robbery Arrest in Los Angeles
The FBI moves fast in bank robbery cases. Arrests frequently occur within hours or days of the offense. You will be transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Los Angeles.
Do not speak. Do not provide an alibi without counsel an alibi that cannot be perfectly verified becomes "consciousness of guilt" evidence for prosecutors. Only The Bulldog Law should speak for you from this moment forward.
Your initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Central District Courthouse occurs within 24 hours. We fight for your release while beginning an aggressive counter-investigation of every piece of evidence the FBI has gathered.
Federal Sentencing in Bank Robbery Cases
Federal sentencing for § 2113 bank robbery is driven by USSG § 2B3.1. Loss amount, use of a weapon, physical restraint of victims, and number of financial institutions targeted all drive the guidelines upward. We challenge every enhancement and present comprehensive mitigation at sentencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for federal bank robbery under 18 U.S.C. § 2113?
The base offense carries up to 20 years. Using a dangerous weapon increases the maximum to 25 years. Kidnapping in connection with bank robbery carries life imprisonment.
How does the FBI investigate bank robbery in Los Angeles?
The FBI Bank Crime Squad uses branch surveillance footage, dye pack tracking, GPS devices, DNA, fingerprints, and extensive witness interviews to build bank robbery cases.
Can surveillance footage identification in a bank robbery case be challenged?
Yes. We retain video forensics experts to challenge government identification testimony. Surveillance footage identifications are among the most commonly contested forms of evidence.
What court handles federal bank robbery cases in Los Angeles?
The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Los Angeles Division, handles all § 2113 bank robbery prosecutions in Los Angeles.
What factors increase the federal sentence for bank robbery?
Under USSG § 2B3.1, sentence increases apply for loss amount, use of a weapon, physical restraint of victims, and targeting multiple financial institutions.
Facing charges in Los Angeles? The Bulldog Law fights for you relentlessly, in state and federal court. Visit our blog for more resources.