Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Monday March 25, Independent Bank in Meridian Township was robbed by an unknown suspect in broad daylight, according to news reports at Mlive.com. Police are still on the lookout for the suspect, who was seen on surveillance tape. They have also released a sketch of the man they believe to be the suspect.
The bank, located at 2119 Hamilton Road, was robbed at around noon by a man who the teller involved said gave her a note with instructions. The teller handed over the money, at which point the suspect fled on foot. There were no witnesses who could give police information regarding which direction the suspect went.
The Independent Bank is located approximately two miles east of Michigan State University. According to police, the teller obliged the suspect’s demands, handing over an undisclosed amount of cash. Police also attempted to track the suspect with their K-9 team, but the effort was unsuccessful.
The suspect was described by witnesses as a white male in his mid-20s, thinly built and approximately 5′ 10″ in height. He wore mirrored sunglasses, khaki pants, a black cap and black dress coat, and white Nike’s.
While news reports do not mention whether the suspect was armed, Michigan unarmed robbery attorneys know that even when an individual is not armed, he or she will face serious criminal penalties if convicted. Attempting to obtain money or property without permission and using fear or intimidation to obtain that property will subject the accused to up to 15 years in prison according to Michigan Penal Code 750.530. If an individual does possess a gun or firearm in the commission of a bank robbery or even suggests the presence of a weapon, he or she may face up to life in prison.
If you have been arrested for armed or unarmed robbery, it is critical that you take immediate action to protect your legal rights and freedom. Contact an experienced and aggressive Michigan criminal defense lawyer at once.