Even in today's high-tech age, old-fashioned bank robberies are still in full swing. While many branches have things like bulletproof glass and surveillance cameras, especially in the bigger cities, other banks are still vulnerable to robberies.

Sprinkled all over the U.S., we have our small town branches where you still meet face-to-face with a friendly teller – no bulletproof glass in between. Plus, across America you can shop for groceries, and walk five steps to a bank teller. Sometimes, it's just as easy to slip a teller a note before drawing attention to oneself as it was 50 years ago.

FBI and Bank Robbery Investigations

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in 2011 alone, there were around 5,000 bank robberies in the United States. Of those, over $30 million was stolen, and more than 100 people were injured or killed.

Since the 1930s, the FBI has been the agency primarily responsible for investigating bank robberies. The FBI started investigating bank robberies when John Dillinger and his gang captured the public's attention from their infamous bank robberies.

In 1934, it became a federal crime to rob any bank that was a member of the Federal Reserve. Soon after, that law expanded to include larceny, bank burglary, and other related crimes, with the FBI overseeing the investigations. Today, the FBI works alongside local law enforcement agencies to investigate bank robberies nationwide.

Bank Robbery & Incidental Crimes

Bank robbery and other incidental crimes are covered under 18 U.S. Code Sec. 2113. Under this section, when someone attempts to rob a banking institution, or when they succeed, and while doing so they use intimidation, force or violence, they will be fined or imprisoned to not more than 20 years, or both.

Are you facing bank robbery charges? To protect your rights, contact a criminal defense attorney right away!