Most bank robberies involve some form of illegal drug use. A severe heroin or cocaine addiction can cost $500 per day, and many addicts resort to serious criminal activity to support this habit.
Because perpetrators are often high during the course of a robbery, they can make serious missteps that lead to arrest with overwhelming evidence of guilt.
Drug-related crime facts
Heroin and cocaine are highly addictive substances with derivatives including crack and speedball. These drugs also serve as a gateway to other dangerous substances. According to the latest data:
- More than 225,000 Americans face charges for possession of cocaine and heroin each year
- Nearly half of all federal prisoners are serving time for drug-related crimes
- One-third of state inmates committed crimes for the purpose of attaining drugs or cash for drugs
As drug users become increasingly desperate for a fix, they may resort to high-risk criminal acts, including crimes against persons and crimes against property.
Penalties for federal bank robbery
Bank robbery is a federal crime because banks are federal institutions. Therefore, bank robbery charges carry harsher penalties than simple robbery, theft or burglary in the state of Washington. Under federal law, a person convicted of bank robbery may face:
- Life in prison
- No chance of parole
- Fines up to $250,000
- Death penalty
Depending on the level of impairment and other circumstances at the time of the robbery, the crime may be unsuccessful. However, attempted bank robbery charges are still severe.
Robbery is a serious crime with severe penalties. If you suffer from addiction, you should seek help before your impulses take over and land you in major trouble.