Colorado Lawyers Defend Individuals Accused of Bank Robbery
Firm advocates for clients charged with stealing from financial institutions
Regardless of the amount of money at issue, a bank robbery accusation is a serious charge. Stealing, or even attempting to steal from a bank, credit union or savings and loan is a federal crime. This means that even if the sum involved is relatively small, you could be facing a mandatory minimum sentence. Polansky Law Firm is a proven criminal defense law firm headquartered in Boulder and serving clients throughout Colorado. We represent individuals accused of bank robbery and similar offenses in state and federal courts.
Bank robbery prosecutions in Colorado
Reports of bank robberies have increased sharply over the past few years, and some statistics say Colorado has the highest rate in the country of these incidents. Authorities have attributed the trend to fentanyl abuse and the fact that fewer businesses have large amounts of cash on site. Robbery is defined under state law as the taking of something of value through the use of force, threats or intimidation. This can be a very subjective standard and our attorneys fight back against overcharging and misleading arguments put forth by prosecutors. Most of these cases do not involve huge amounts, but even simple robbery, where no weapon is used, is classified as a Class 4 felony. These crimes have sentences running from two to six years.
Aggravated robbery, where the suspect allegedly carried a deadly weapon or struck someone inside the bank, is an even more serious charge. Someone convicted could face between four and 12 years of incarceration due to its status as a Class 3 felony. We understand the seriousness of these charges and the types of evidence used by prosecutors, such as bank surveillance video, to prove these cases. Our background advocating for Coloradans accused of various criminal offenses helps us identify relevant defenses and push back against unwarranted allegations.
Federal bank robbery cases under the Hobbs Act
Enacted in 1946, the Hobbs Act is a federal law that covers a wide range of misconduct where the use or threat of violence affects interstate or foreign commerce. The law was originally designed to prevent racketeering activity, particularly physical intimidation associated with labor disputes. However, this statute, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, is now frequently used in bank robbery prosecutions. The federal justice system has unique rules and procedures, including detailed sentencing guidelines, so you could face harsh punishment even if there are mitigating circumstances. Our attorneys are well versed in federal criminal defense and offer strong legal support if you’re being prosecuted in a U.S. District Court in connection with an alleged robbery at a financial institution.
Contact a Colorado criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation
Polansky Law Firm represents clients accused of bank robbery and other criminal offenses in state and federal courts. For a free consultation with an accomplished attorney, please call 303-415-2583 or contact us online.
