Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Recently, the FBI has requested the public’s help in identifying a man who is suspected of robbing a TCF Bank branch in Lathrup. According to a news report at CBS Detroit, the agency is offering a $1,500 reward for information which may lead to the arrest and conviction of the man, who robbed the bank on October 6 just after 10 a.m.
The man, according to reports, is described as a black man who was wearing sunglasses, gloves, dark pants, and a hoodie described as a Champion brand at the time of the robbery. He was also wearing a piece of white tape on his nose. The man implied that he possessed a gun, and demanded that a teller give him money. The amount of money the robber escaped with was not revealed in news reports.
Witnesses said that the car the suspect fled the scene in was an older model vehicle with damage on the front end, possibly a Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable that is white in color with a white passenger-side mirror and dark driver-side mirror. Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 248-557-3600 or the FBI at 313-965-2323.
While the amount of money stolen from the bank was not disclosed, bank robbery is a very serious crime – a federal crime. Michigan criminal defense lawyers know that those found guilty of robbing a bank face serious criminal penalties. Whether or not the suspect in this case actually had a gun makes no difference; the fact that he implied that he did makes the situation even more serious.
In Michigan, armed robbery is a serious offense. While the maximum punishment is life in prison, even first-time offenders will face a prison sentence and other penalties. Those who have a prior criminal record involving a felony offense will face harsher punishment.
Without a seasoned Michigan criminal defense attorney, the suspect in this case, when caught, will likely face consequences that will change his life forever. Anyone who is arrested or charged with robbing a bank, armed or unarmed robbery, or even carjacking must take action immediately and contact a defense lawyer who will work vigorously in pursuit of the best possible result.