Bank Robbery Attorney in Jacksonville

Serious Bank Robbery Charges Demand Serious Defense

If you or someone you care about has been accused of bank robbery in Jacksonville, you are facing one of the most serious charges in the criminal justice system. A conviction can mean years in prison, a permanent violent felony record, and consequences that affect every part of your life. In this situation, you need a bank robbery attorney in Jacksonville you can rely on to understand the stakes and fight for you from day one.

My name is Mitch Stone. I am a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer and the founding attorney of Mitchell A. Stone, P.A.. For more than 35 years, I have defended people in criminal courts across Florida in major felony cases that put their freedom on the line. I am board-certified in criminal trial law in Florida, and my practice is built on one core idea. I do not accept the prosecution’s story at face value; I scrutinize the evidence and hold the government to its burden of proof.

If you are under investigation, have just been arrested, or already have a court date, you do not have to face this alone. 

By speaking with a bank robbery attorney Jacksonville defendants trust in serious felony cases, you can start to understand your options and take steps to protect yourself. Contact us online or call us at (904) 263-5005.

Why Trust Me With A Bank Robbery Charge

When you are accused of robbing a bank, the lawyer you choose can shape every stage of your case, from bond hearings to trial. You need someone who has been in serious felony courtrooms many times before and who understands how prosecutors build and present cases like yours. That is the work I have done for decades, in Jacksonville and throughout Florida.

I am a board-certified criminal trial lawyer in Florida, which is a credential held by a small number of criminal defense attorneys in the state. Board certification involves a detailed review of trial experience, legal knowledge, and peer and judicial evaluations. In a bank robbery case, where the evidence can include surveillance, eyewitness identifications, forensic testing, and complex timelines, that level of trial background matters.

Over more than 35 years in criminal courts, I have handled a wide range of serious felony matters. My work has included major cases that attracted significant attention, and I have served as the 33rd President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. That leadership role reflects how my peers view my commitment to defending people charged with crimes and to holding the government accountable under the Constitution.

When I take on a serious felony case, I am personally involved in strategy and preparation. As your bank robbery attorney in Jacksonville, I study the evidence, identify legal issues, and work to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory. My goal is to provide a defense that you can rely on, one that actively challenges what the State or the federal government is trying to prove against you.

What To Do If You Are Accused Of Bank Robbery

Being arrested or contacted by law enforcement about a bank robbery is frightening and confusing. The decisions you make in the first hours and days can affect your case for a long time. There are steps you can take right now that may help protect your rights and avoid making a difficult situation worse.

Protect Your Rights Before You Speak

First, do not talk to detectives, officers, or federal agents about the facts of the case without a bank robbery attorney in Jacksonville present. Many people think that if they just explain their side, they can clear things up. In reality, law enforcement is trained to gather statements that can be used as evidence later. Even small details can be misinterpreted or taken out of context. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and to have an attorney with you during questioning. Use those rights.

Limit Conversations About The Case

Next, avoid discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer. This includes phone calls from the jail, social media posts, text messages, and casual conversations. Calls from correctional facilities are generally recorded. Messages you send can often be recovered and used in ways you did not expect. Until you have counsel, limit your comments to basic information about where you are and that you are seeking a lawyer.

Get Legal Help Quickly

It is important to involve a bank robbery attorney in Jacksonville as soon as possible. If you are in custody, a family member can reach out to my office on your behalf. Early representation allows me to begin reviewing the circumstances of your arrest, advise you about first appearance hearings and bond, and start preserving any evidence that may help your defense.

Preserve Helpful Information

Finally, preserve anything you think might be relevant. This can include receipts, travel or work records, messages, or names of people who were with you at certain times. You do not need to decide what is important on your own.

Bring potential evidence to your attorney so it can be evaluated properly:

• Receipts, schedules, or timecards that show where you were.
• Text messages, emails, or call logs that may support your timeline.
• Names and contact information for people who were with you.
• Any photos, videos, or other digital information connected to the date in question.

When you share this information with me, I will look at how it may fit into the overall defense strategy and whether it supports your account of what happened.

Learn How Bank Robbery Cases Are Investigated & Charged With Our Bank Robbery Attorneys in Jacksonville

Understanding how bank robbery cases are built can make the process feel a little less overwhelming. These investigations often move quickly and involve multiple agencies. Knowing who is involved and what types of evidence they rely on helps explain where a defense lawyer can intervene.

Agencies Commonly Involved

In many situations, a bank robbery investigation begins with local law enforcement responding to the scene. In Jacksonville, that may involve officers or detectives from local agencies who secure the bank, speak with witnesses, and collect initial evidence. Because banks are insured and regulated, many cases also involve federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Whether a case stays in state court or has federal involvement depends on specific facts, including which laws the prosecution decides to charge.

Types Of Evidence Prosecutors Use

These cases often center on a combination of evidence. Investigators may collect surveillance video from the bank and nearby locations. They may obtain eyewitness identifications from tellers or customers, sometimes using photo lineups or in-person lineups. They may analyze fingerprints, DNA, or other physical evidence. In recent years, digital evidence such as phone records, location data, and financial transactions can also play a role.

How Charges Move Through The Courts

Prosecutors generally decide what charges to file after reviewing reports and evidence from law enforcement. In the Florida state court, serious felonies go through specific filing and arraignment processes, and in some situations, grand juries may be involved. If a case is pursued in federal court, separate rules and procedures apply. I help clients understand where their case is being prosecuted, what that means for possible penalties, and how the process is likely to unfold.

From the start, I look at how each piece of evidence was obtained and how it has been handled. That includes examining warrants, search and seizure issues, the way lineups were conducted, and whether any statements were taken in violation of constitutional rights. My role as your bank robbery attorney in Jacksonville is to test the government’s case, not to assume that the investigation was fair or that the evidence is reliable.

Potential Penalties & Consequences Of A Bank Robbery Conviction

Bank robbery is treated as a very serious offense under Florida law, and when federal charges are involved, potential penalties can increase even more. While the specific sentence in any case depends on the exact charges, the person’s prior record, and many other factors, it is important to understand the kinds of consequences that can come with a conviction.

Possible Prison Time & Supervision

People convicted of robbery-related offenses can face lengthy prison sentences. These sentences may increase if a weapon was allegedly used, if anyone was injured, or if other aggravating circumstances are present. Courts in Florida consider sentencing guidelines, but judges also look at the facts of the case and the person’s background when making decisions. Part of my job is to analyze the charges and the available sentencing options so that you have a clear picture of the risks.

On top of incarceration, the court can impose fines and order restitution to financial institutions or others. Many people also face probation, community control, or other forms of supervision that come with strict conditions. Violating those conditions can lead to new charges or additional time in custody.

Long-Term Impact On Your Life

A bank robbery conviction also creates a permanent violent felony record. That record can affect where you are allowed to work, whether you can qualify for certain professional licenses, and how landlords or lenders view your applications. In some cases, civil rights such as the right to possess a firearm can be restricted or lost. These are long-term consequences that extend far beyond any prison term or probation.

Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a particular outcome. What I can do is evaluate the charges, the evidence, and your background, then explain what sentencing issues may arise in your case. From there, I work to pursue outcomes that limit the damage as much as the facts and the law allow.

Defending Against Bank Robbery Allegations

When you are accused of something as serious as robbing a bank, it can feel like the system is already against you. The prosecution has investigators, analysts, and legal resources. My role as your bank robbery attorney in Jacksonville is to stand between you and the power of the State or the federal government, and to insist that they meet their burden of proof.

Thorough Review Of The Evidence

Every defense begins with a complete review of the discovery in the case. I examine reports, videos, photographs, forensic results, and any recordings of statements. I pay close attention to how the investigation was conducted, whether officers followed legal procedures, and whether there are gaps or contradictions in the evidence. Because my practice focuses on criminal trials, I look at the case through the lens of what a jury would see and hear.

Challenging Identification & Statements

Mistaken identity is a real issue in robbery cases. Stressful, fast-moving events can affect how witnesses perceive and remember faces. Lineup procedures, the way officers ask questions, and the conditions under which identifications are made all matter. I explore whether identifications were influenced or whether they meet legal standards for reliability.

Many cases also involve statements by the accused. Sometimes people talk to the police because they think they can explain things away. Other times, they speak after long periods of questioning or while they are scared and confused. I evaluate whether Miranda warnings were properly given, whether the statement was truly voluntary, and whether law enforcement respected your right to remain silent and to request counsel.

Testing Physical & Digital Evidence

Physical and digital evidence require careful analysis as well. Surveillance video can be unclear or incomplete. Timelines built from phone records, messages, or financial data may not tell the whole story. Part of my work involves looking for alternative explanations, challenging assumptions, and presenting evidence that supports your version of events.

Not every case goes to trial. Sometimes, identifying legal issues leads to suppression of evidence or other rulings that change the strength of the prosecution’s case. In other situations, a thorough defense investigation creates opportunities for charge reductions or other resolutions. When trial is the right path, my background as a board-certified criminal trial lawyer guides how I present your defense to a jury.

Why Local Experience Matters In Serious Felony Cases

Serious felony cases are not handled the same way in every courthouse. Procedures, local rules, and the approaches of prosecutors and judges all influence how a bank robbery case moves through the system. When your future is on the line, it helps to work with a lawyer who understands how these cases are typically handled here.

I have tried criminal cases in courts throughout Florida for more than three decades, including serious felony matters in and around Jacksonville. That experience provides insight into how cases are scheduled, how bond hearings are conducted, and how prosecutors in this area tend to approach robbery-related charges. I use that knowledge when advising clients about timing, strategy, and potential options.

Local familiarity also matters for practical reasons. Meeting with clients and their families, visiting locations that relate to the allegations, and working with investigators and other professionals often require in-person work. Being based here allows my firm to respond efficiently when serious felony issues arise, including emergency hearings or developments in an investigation.

At the same time, my practice extends across Florida and beyond, which can be important when bank robbery allegations intersect with activity in multiple jurisdictions. Whether a case stays in state court here or involves other locations, my focus is on making sure you understand the process and that your rights are protected at each stage.

To discuss a bank robbery charge or investigation and learn how I can help, call (904) 263-5005 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Right After Being Arrested For Bank Robbery?

The most important step after a bank robbery arrest is to protect your rights by remaining silent about the facts and requesting a bank robbery attorney in Jacksonville. You should give officers basic identifying information when asked, but you are not required to answer questions about where you were, what you did, or who you know. Anything you say can be used as evidence, even if you think it helps you.

If you are in custody, ask to speak with an attorney and avoid discussing the case on recorded jail calls or in messages. A family member can contact my office to tell me where you are being held and when your first appearance hearing is scheduled. I can then begin advising you about the bond, the charges you are facing, and what to expect at early court dates. Acting quickly gives me more opportunity to address problems at the start of the case.

Am I Going To Prison If I Am Charged With Bank Robbery?

Bank robbery charges carry the risk of significant prison time, but being charged does not automatically mean you will go to prison. The outcome in any case depends on many factors, including the specific statutes charged, whether a weapon or threats are alleged, your prior record, and the strength of the evidence. Courts also consider legal issues that may affect what evidence is admissible.

My role is to review the facts and the law in detail so that I can give you a realistic assessment of your situation. From there, I work to identify defenses, challenge improper evidence, and look for ways to reduce your exposure. Some cases resolve with a trial, while others resolve through negotiations that reflect the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. No lawyer can guarantee an outcome, but you are entitled to a defense that fully tests what the government is trying to prove.

How Will You Defend Me If The Evidence Looks Strong?

Even when a case appears strong at first glance, there are often issues that require careful examination. As your bank robbery lawyer in Jacksonville, I start by reviewing every piece of discovery provided by the prosecution, including reports, video, recordings of statements, forensic results, and digital data. My goal is to understand how the government is putting its case together and where that structure may be weak.

Eyewitness identifications can be mistaken. Video can be unclear or incomplete. Statements can be taken in violation of constitutional rights or in circumstances that make them unreliable. Timelines built from phone or financial records can leave out important context.

When I evaluate a case that looks strong on paper, I focus on:

• How identifications were obtained and whether they followed legal standards.
• Whether searches, seizures, and warrants complied with constitutional requirements.
• How statements were taken and whether your rights were respected.
• Whether physical and digital evidence actually support the prosecution’s theory.

As a board-certified criminal trial lawyer, I rely on decades of courtroom experience when deciding which issues to challenge, what motions to file, and how to present your defense to a judge or jury.

Can Bank Robbery Charges In Florida Become Federal Cases?

Some bank robbery investigations involve both state and federal authorities. Whether a case becomes a federal matter depends on factors such as the specific conduct alleged, how the investigation developed, and which agencies are involved. In certain situations, prosecutors may choose to pursue charges in federal court instead of or in addition to state court.

If there is a possibility of federal involvement in your case, it is important to understand that separate rules and sentencing structures apply in that system. I evaluate where your case is being pursued and how that affects strategy and potential penalties. Early advice can help you avoid missteps when dealing with investigators who may be considering federal charges.

Will You Be The One Handling My Bank Robbery Case?

When you hire Mitchell A. Stone, P.A. for a serious felony such as bank robbery, you are hiring me as your criminal defense lawyer. I am directly involved in evaluating the evidence, developing a strategy, and appearing in court. I work with staff and, when appropriate, with investigators or other professionals, but I take personal responsibility for guiding your defense.

From our initial consultation through key hearings and, if necessary, trial, you will have the opportunity to speak with me about your questions and concerns. Serious felony cases require focused attention. I limit the number of such cases I accept so that I can dedicate the time and effort that they require.

What Can I Expect In My First Meeting With You About A Bank Robbery Charge?

In our first meeting, I focus on listening to you and understanding what has led to the charges. I will ask about what you have been told by law enforcement, whether you have given any statements, and what happened before and after the alleged offense. I also want to know about your background, work history, and any prior contact you have had with the criminal justice system.

I then explain the general process that applies to serious felony cases in Florida courts, including upcoming hearings and how discovery works. We will talk about the evidence that is likely to exist, such as video, witness accounts, or digital records, and about how I plan to obtain and review that material. By the end of the consultation, my goal is for you to have a clearer picture of what lies ahead and how I will approach defending your case.

You can contact my firm to talk about what is happening, what you are up against, and how I can begin protecting your rights.