Silver, Spring Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney | Maryland Robbery Laws

The FBI and the Metropolitan Police Department are looking for a suspect in connection with five separate bank robberies in the DC metro area.

According to a news release from the FBI, the man attempted to rob the Wells Fargo bank in the 3200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue SE around 12:30 p.m. Friday.

Later that day, he attempted to rob another Wells Fargo, this time in 1st Street NE. Minutes later, the FBI said he robbed a TD Bank in the 1200 block of 1st Street NE.

Officials say the same man is wanted in connection with a June 6 bank robbery, as well as an attempted bank robbery June 7. 

Authorities are offering a $5,000 award for information that leads to this man's arrest.

If you have any information about any of the robberies, please contact the FBI at 202-278-2000 or call the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099.

Maryland Robbery Laws

Maryland courts have adopted the common law definition of robbery. The common law defines robbery is, "the felonious taking and carrying away of the personal property of another from his person by the use of violence or by putting in fear." Under Maryland law, robbery is the taking of someone else's rightful property through force or through the threat of force. As a violent crime, robbery is prosecuted as a felony. The penalties for robbery in Maryland depend on the circumstances of the crime.

• Robbery - taking the victim's money or property through force or threat of force; maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.


• Armed Robbery - using a weapon (gun, knife, or other item that can be used as a weapon) to perpetrate a robbery; maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Even if you only claim to have a weapon in your possession, your conviction could result in up to 20 years. Yes, an empty threat of a gun is enough to elevate the sentence.


• Carjacking - stealing a person's vehicle through means of force, threat of force, or weapon; maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

A robbery conviction can lead to decades behind bars. Upon release, a convicted felon faces numerous restrictions, including prohibition from owning a firearm, lengthy probation, and limitation of employment and housing options. A felony conviction carries negative ramifications that can last a lifetime. 

You have rights and it is your attorney's job to help protect those rights throughout the criminal process. If you are charged with a robbery offense or carjacking, call the law offices of Portner & Shure today to discuss the details of your case and how we might be able to help. No criminal defense lawyer can guarantee results, but we can guarantee to fight tirelessly on your behalf. Our highly-experienced attorneys will be able to help you analyze your case and the evidence against you to determine what steps to take in mitigating the impact of the charges on your life.