Bank Robbery Providing the Defense You Need

Bank Robbery Lawyer in Midland, Texas

Federal Defense from Attorneys Who’ve Worked Both Sides

A bank robbery charge is a federal matter almost from the moment it happens. If you or someone you know is under investigation or facing charges in Midland, the legal process moves fast, and the stakes are serious. Wolf, Stallings & Mayo represents Texans across the Permian Basin through every stage of federal criminal proceedings, from initial FBI contact through trial. Our practice covers the full range of criminal charges, from traffic violations and misdemeanors to capital felonies, and we serve clients throughout Ector, Upton, Winkler, Howard, Ward, Martin, and Reagan counties.

Don’t wait to get counsel in your corner. Call Wolf, Stallings & Mayo at (432) 237-3530 to schedule a free consultation about your situation.

Former Prosecutors & Federal Agents on Your Defense

What sets our team apart in serious federal matters is where our attorneys worked before joining the defense side. Our attorneys have served in local district attorney’s offices and in federal law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. That experience isn’t just a credential. It shapes how we read a case file.

We know how agents gather evidence, how reports get written, and how prosecutors decide which facts to emphasize at trial. That inside perspective lets us identify weaknesses in the government’s case that a defense attorney without that background might miss. Every strategy we build is tailored to the specific facts of the individual client, and we keep clients informed at each step.

Where Midland Bank Robbery Cases Are Prosecuted

Because virtually every bank, credit union, and savings and loan association is federally insured or federally chartered, bank robbery is almost always a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 2113. That means the case lands in federal court, not state court, and the rules, procedures, and potential penalties are significantly different from what most people expect.

Cases arising from Midland, Ector, Andrews, Crane, Martin, and Upton counties fall under the Midland Division of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, seated at the George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush U.S. Courthouse in Midland. Federal bank robbery investigations are typically led by the FBI, often alongside other agencies. A 2015 case out of Midland federal court illustrates how these investigations work: a defendant who pleaded guilty to robbing a Citibank branch there faced up to 20 years in federal prison, with the investigation involving the FBI, Customs and Border Protection, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Midland Police Department working together.

Federal cases often move through the grand jury process before charges are formally filed, which means you may be under active investigation before you’re ever arrested. If federal agents have contacted you, consulting with defense counsel immediately is important.

Talk to a Defense Attorney Before Your Next Step

Whether you’re facing charges or believe you’re under investigation, the decisions you make in the early stages of a federal case matter enormously. Wolf, Stallings & Mayo offers a free consultation to discuss your situation and can explain your options without obligation. Call us at (432) 237-3530 to get started.

Penalties Under 18 U.S.C. § 2113

Federal bank robbery is governed by 18 U.S.C. § 2113, which creates a tiered penalty structure based on what occurred during the offense. The tiers matter because charges and sentencing exposure can shift significantly depending on the specific facts alleged.

The penalty tiers work as follows:

Robbery or unlawful entry: Taking or attempting to take property by force, violence, intimidation, or extortion from a federally insured institution, or entering such an institution to commit a felony or larceny, carries a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.
Bank theft: Taking property valued above $1,000 without force or intimidation carries a maximum of 10 years. For amounts of $1,000 or less, the maximum is one year.
Assault or use of a dangerous weapon: Assaulting someone or using a dangerous weapon or device during the offense increases the maximum sentence to 25 years.
Kidnapping or death: If a person is kidnapped or killed during the offense or while fleeing, the charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Attempting to rob a bank carries the same penalties as a completed robbery. A defendant doesn’t need to have physically entered the bank to face charges.

Defense Strategies in Federal Bank Robbery Cases

The government bears the burden of proving every element of the charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. A sound defense starts with examining exactly what the prosecution can and cannot establish.

Challenging Identification & Evidence

Eyewitness identifications are often unreliable, and surveillance footage isn’t always conclusive. We scrutinize the identification process and the quality of physical evidence, including whether law enforcement followed proper procedures in collecting and preserving it.

Disputing Force or Intimidation

A conviction under the primary robbery provision requires proof that force, violence, or intimidation actually occurred. If the government can’t establish that element to the required standard, the charge may not hold.

Questioning the Institution’s Status

The statute only covers federally insured or federally chartered banks, credit unions, and savings and loan associations. In limited cases, disputing whether the targeted institution meets the statutory definition can be a viable defense avenue.

Challenging Search & Seizure

Evidence gathered through an unlawful search or seizure can be challenged and potentially suppressed. If critical evidence was obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, the prosecution’s case may be significantly weakened.

Limited Participation & Aiding and Abetting

Under federal law, someone whose role was limited to driving a getaway car or providing other peripheral assistance can face the same penalties as the person who entered the bank, because aiding and abetting carries equal liability. Even so, the precise nature and scope of a defendant’s involvement can still shape how a defense is built and how the case is presented at trial.

Continue Reading Read Less

Why Choose Wolf, Stallings & Mayo?

Former Prosecutors
Same Day Appointments

Spanish Speaking Services Available
Free Consultation

Contact Us Today

Get Started with a Free Initial Consultation

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Wolf, Stallings & Mayo at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Client Reviews

Fighting For Your Best Outcome

"Thanks a lot for your help!"
Awesome service. They know exactly what to do to help by the best way.

- David
"John Wolf is amazing."
Truly Professional and very caring. Thankful to have been blessed with him!

- Alli A.
"If you looking for no hassle experienced legal counsel or representation, look no further."
I am a repeat client, met all my expectations and more, can't say enough about this firm.

- Ralph G.
"They fight in that court room as if their lives were at stake."
Going into the courtroom with these guys is the first time I've ever been in a courtroom and not felt completely helpless and alone.

- Rob I.
"If you need a good criminal attorney I would definitely look into hiring Wolf, Stallings & Mayo."
John and Andrew's hard work spared us the trauma, time, humiliations and yes, money, that a trial would have brought. They are still doing some work on expungement for me on my case, and there is absolutely nobody I would trust more.

- Kristy M.
"Mr. John Wolf is, by far, the fastest responding attorney I've seen around."
His word is as good as gold. So grateful he's on my team!!! Want results?? Hire John Wolf Attorney-At-Law!!

- Ric R.
"I'm glad I chose them to help me with my case!"
Andrew van der Hoeven is such an awesome attorney! He helped me get my brother-in-law's case done in less than a month. He is an awesome person, he is patient with you, he works with you, and he explains what's going on.

- Gelasia M.
"I recommend this firm to anyone, regardless how big or small your case is."
Nothing serious, just a traffic ticket but as a CDL holder it was worth it to fight the ticket. Tyler Mayo did an exceptional job and I was found Not Guilty!

- Rodney S.

View All Reviews

Address

310 W. Wall Street
Suite 900
Midland, TX 79701

Map & Directions

Contact 432-237-3530