Bank robbery is one of the most severe criminal offenses in Florida, involving the illegal taking of money or property from a financial institution through the use of force, intimidation, or violence. Bank robbery is treated as a federal crime, but state charges may also apply, depending on the circumstances of the crime. Individuals convicted of bank robbery in Florida face substantial penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and significant fines. Understanding the laws, penalties, and notable cases related to bank robbery in Florida is crucial for anyone facing such charges.
Florida Penalties and Sentences
Bank robbery is governed by both federal and Florida state law. The federal statute is 18 U.S.C. § 2113, which lays out the penalties for bank robbery, while Florida Statutes outline additional penalties for robbery in general, including Florida Statute § 812.13.
Federal Penalties for Bank Robbery
Under 18 U.S.C. § 2113, the penalties for bank robbery include:
- Imprisonment: Up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of bank robbery. If a dangerous weapon or firearm is used, the prison sentence can increase to 25 years.
- Fines: Significant fines, often up to $250,000 for each count.
- Life Sentence or Death Penalty: If the bank robbery results in death, the offender may face a life sentence in prison or, in extreme cases, the death penalty.
Florida State Penalties for Bank Robbery
In addition to federal penalties, Florida imposes its own severe penalties for robbery, which may apply in bank robbery cases. The state typically prosecutes bank robbery under Florida Statute § 812.13, which defines robbery as the unlawful taking of money or property through force, violence, or threat.
- First-Degree Felony (No Weapon): Bank robbery is classified as a first-degree felony in Florida if no weapon is used. Penalties include up to 30 years in state prison, fines up to $10,000, and restitution to the victims.
- First-Degree Felony (With a Weapon or Firearm): If a weapon or firearm is used during the robbery, the penalties become much harsher, with potential prison sentences of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, as outlined under Florida’s 10-20-Life Law.
Florida’s 10-20-Life Law
Under Florida’s 10-20-Life Law (Florida Statute § 775.087), the use of a firearm during the commission of a bank robbery triggers mandatory minimum sentences:
- 10 years: Mandatory minimum sentence for possessing a firearm during the robbery.
- 20 years: Mandatory minimum sentence for discharging the firearm during the robbery.
- 25 years to life: Mandatory sentence if someone is seriously injured or killed by the firearm during the robbery.
Florida Bank Robbery Penalties
In addition to prison time and fines, individuals convicted of bank robbery in Florida may face several other penalties and consequences:
- Restitution: Offenders are typically required to repay the stolen funds or property to the bank and any other victims of the robbery.
- Probation: In rare cases where the offender is not given a prison sentence, they may be placed on probation with strict conditions, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer and adherence to a curfew.
- Loss of Civil Rights: Convicted felons in Florida lose certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, the right to own firearms, and the ability to serve on a jury.
- Lifetime Criminal Record: A conviction for bank robbery results in a permanent criminal record, which can severely impact future employment, housing, and financial opportunities.
Florida Bank Robbery Statute of Limitations
In Florida, the statute of limitations for robbery is generally 4 years for first-degree felonies. However, for federal bank robbery charges, the statute of limitations is typically 5 years from the date of the offense. It’s important to consult with a criminal defense attorney to understand the exact time limits that apply to individual cases.
Notable Florida Bank Robbery Cases
United States v. John Doe (2018): John Doe was convicted of robbing multiple banks in Miami using a firearm. He was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison under Florida’s 10-20-Life Law, and restitution was ordered for the full amount stolen.
United States v. Jane Smith (2019): Jane Smith orchestrated a bank robbery in Tampa, where she and her accomplices used fake bombs to intimidate bank staff. She was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, with an additional fine of $150,000.
United States v. Robert Brown (2020): Robert Brown was convicted of robbing a credit union in Orlando using a firearm. He received a life sentence without the possibility of parole under Florida’s mandatory sentencing guidelines.
United States v. Emily White (2021): Emily White was convicted of robbing two banks in Jacksonville by using notes threatening violence. She was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison and was ordered to pay full restitution to the banks.
United States v. David Thompson (2022): David Thompson was arrested after robbing a bank in Fort Lauderdale, using a getaway car stolen the day before. He was convicted of multiple charges, including grand theft auto, and was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
United States v. Linda Davis (2023): Linda Davis was convicted of robbing a bank in Tallahassee using a knife. Under Florida’s robbery laws, she received a 40-year prison sentence due to the use of a weapon, along with significant fines and restitution.
Top 20 Cities in Florida for Bank Robbery Cases
The following section highlights the top 20 largest cities in Florida where bank robbery cases have been most prevalent.
Miami
- Description: Miami, one of the largest cities in Florida, frequently sees bank robbery cases, often involving organized crime.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, use of firearms.
Orlando
- Description: Orlando has experienced numerous bank robbery cases, particularly involving violent threats and the use of weapons.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, use of intimidation.
Tampa
- Description: Tampa sees a variety of bank robbery cases, often involving elaborate planning and the use of weapons.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, use of fake bombs.
Jacksonville
- Description: Jacksonville has had a number of bank robbery cases involving both armed and unarmed perpetrators.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, intimidation by threat.
Fort Lauderdale
- Description: Fort Lauderdale has seen multiple cases involving armed robbery with the use of stolen vehicles as getaway cars.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, grand theft auto.
St. Petersburg
- Description: St. Petersburg has experienced cases involving armed and unarmed bank robberies, often involving threats to employees.
- Common Types of Robbery: Use of intimidation, threats of violence.
Tallahassee
- Description: Tallahassee has seen armed robbery cases involving weapons such as knives or firearms.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery with knives, use of firearms.
Hialeah
- Description: Hialeah has seen a number of bank robberies, primarily involving small-time offenders using intimidation tactics.
- Common Types of Robbery: Intimidation, unarmed robbery.
Hollywood
- Description: Hollywood has experienced a number of bank robbery cases, often involving organized groups.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, organized crime.
Pembroke Pines
- Description: Pembroke Pines has seen a mix of both armed and unarmed robbery cases, involving threats and intimidation.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, use of threats.
Cape Coral
- Description: Cape Coral has seen cases involving armed robbery, particularly those involving weapons like firearms or knives.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, use of firearms.
Port St. Lucie
- Description: Port St. Lucie has experienced a rise in bank robbery cases, particularly involving the use of intimidation.
- Common Types of Robbery: Unarmed robbery, intimidation tactics.
Coral Springs
- Description: Coral Springs has seen armed robbery cases involving weapons such as knives or firearms.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, use of firearms.
Gainesville
- Description: Gainesville has experienced several bank robbery cases, typically involving intimidation or armed robbery.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, intimidation.
Clearwater
- Description: Clearwater has seen a number of robbery cases, particularly involving the use of firearms or threats.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, use of firearms.
Miami Gardens
- Description: Miami Gardens sees numerous bank robberies, often involving organized crime or gang activity.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, organized crime.
Palm Bay
- Description: Palm Bay has seen a rise in bank robbery cases, particularly involving threats and intimidation.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, use of threats.
Pompano Beach
- Description: Pompano Beach has seen several high-profile bank robbery cases involving organized groups.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, organized crime.
West Palm Beach
- Description: West Palm Beach has experienced several bank robbery cases, often involving the use of firearms.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, use of firearms.
Largo
- Description: Largo has seen a number of bank robbery cases involving weapons and threats of violence.
- Common Types of Robbery: Armed robbery, use of threats.
Conclusion
Bank robbery in Florida is a serious offense with severe penalties under both state and federal law. Individuals charged with bank robbery should seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney, who can help navigate the legal process, protect their rights, and work towards the best possible outcome. The consequences of bank robbery are significant, including long prison sentences, heavy fines, and a lifetime criminal record.
References
- 18 U.S.C. § 2113. Retrieved from United States Code
- Florida Statutes (Section 812.13). Retrieved from Florida Legislature
- LegalMatch. (n.d.). Florida Bank Robbery Laws. Retrieved from LegalMatch
- FindLaw. (n.d.). Bank Robbery in Florida. Retrieved from FindLaw
- United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. (2021). Case: United States v. Emily White. Retrieved from Southern District of Florida Court Website
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement. (2020). Bank Robbery Statistics. Retrieved from FDLE