What Is Jugging? | Bank Jugging
Over the past several years, a crime trend called “bank jugging” or “jugging” has grown in popularity in Texas. Jugging occurs when individuals who have just withdrawn money from a bank or ATM are targeted and their recently withdrawn funds are stolen.
The victim, usually carrying a significant amount of cash, is followed from the bank until the thieves find an opportunity to steal the money. This can be done through various means, such as confrontation or breaking into the victim’s car.
The crime used to be punished as burglary or robbery, but in 2025 Texas lawmakers made “jugging” a standalone criminal offense. House Bill 1902, which takes effect on September 1, 2025, criminalizes jugging by making it a felony for individuals to surveil and follow victims from financial institutions, check-cashing businesses, or ATMs with the intent to commit theft.
Why is it called jugging?
The term “jugging” in this context comes from the idea that the victim is carrying a “jug” of money, making them a target for criminals. It’s a practice that requires surveillance and planning by the perpetrators, as they identify and track a potential target based on their banking activity.
Where does jugging occur?
Jugging often occurs at ATMs, banks, and high-end stores. Law enforcement has been warning the public about the scheme, and some cities have created a task force to crack down on this crime.
What is bank jugging?
The offense is sometimes called “bank jugging” which is a term used to describe suspects who sit in bank parking lots watching customers withdraw money from an ATM or go in and out of the financial institution. The suspects then follow the customer and look for an opportunity to take their cash. Similar schemes have also been committed outside of high-end stores that sell jewelry or other valuables.
How are jugging schemes carried out?
Jugging can be committed by one person, but it’s often carried out by two or more perpetrators. The suspects sit in a vehicle surveilling the comings and goings of the bank or business and then target a customer, who is often carrying a bank bag or envelope. The juggers then follow the customer to their next stop and take their money or valuables, either by breaking into their vehicles or by force.
Is “jugging” an actual crime in Texas?
Yes, the term “bank jugging” or “jugging” is now specifically defined by Texas law. Following the signing of House Bill 1902 during the 89th Texas Legislature, jugging is officially a distinct criminal offense in Texas, effective September 1, 2025.
Under the Texas Penal Code, a person commits jugging if he or she, with the intent to commit theft of another person’s money, the person:
(1) targets or observes the other person withdrawing money from an automated teller machine, bank, credit union, or credit services organization; and
(2) subsequently physically follows the other person or causes any person to physically follow the other person.
Jugging is generally a state-jail felony, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $10,000 fine. If the offense involves breaking into a vehicle or robbery, the charge can escalate to a third-degree or even a first-degree felony, carrying penalties up to life in prison.
What other offenses can stem from bank jugging in Texas?
There are a number of charges that can stem from jugging in Texas, including aggravated robbery, robbery, burglary of a motor vehicle, burglary of a habitation, and now the specific offense of hugging under House Bill 1902. Here’s an overview of each offense and how it could apply to jugging:
- Jugging (House Bill 1902): As of September 1, 2025, jugging is a standalone offense. It is generally a state-jail felony but can be enhanced to a third-degree or first-degree felony if other penal code standards are met (e.g., burglary or robbery during the act).
- Robbery: Under Texas Penal Code Section 29.02, a person commits robbery if, while committing a theft, he or she intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another or intentionally or knowingly threatens or places another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death.
Example: If a jugger pushes down a bank patron and grabs their envelope full of cash, the jugger would face a charge of robbery. - Aggravated Robbery: Texas Penal Code §29.03 defines aggravated robbery as a robbery that inflicts serious bodily harm, involves the use of a deadly weapon, or causes bodily injury or fear of bodily harm or death to a disabled or elderly person.
Example: If a jugger pulls out a gun and demands that a bank customer hand over the cash, the jugger would face an aggravated robbery charge because a weapon was displayed. - Burglary of a Motor Vehicle: Texas Penal Code §30.04 defines burglary of a motor vehicle as breaking into or entering a vehicle with the intent to commit a felony or a theft without the owner’s consent.
Example: If a jugger follows a bank patron’s vehicle to their next stop and then breaks into their vehicle and steals the money after the customer runs another errand, the jugger would face burglary of a motor vehicle. - Burglary of a Habitation: Under Texas Penal Code Section 30.02, a person commits burglary of a habitation if he or she enters or remains concealed within a habitation with the intent to commit a felony, theft or assault, or once inside, they actually commit or attempt to commit a felony, theft, or assault.
Example: If a jugger follows a bank patron’s vehicle to their home and later breaks into their residence when they leave to steal money, the jugger would face a charge of burglary of a habitation.
What are the potential punishments for bank jugging?
The punishment for jugging depends on the crime for which the jugger is charged, but likely will carry the potential for jail or prison time. Here’s the punishment for jugging and common crimes that stem from jugging.
- Now that House Bill 1902 is on the books, jugging is its own crime and carries its own penalties. Jugging is generally a state-jail felony, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to $10,000 fine, but it can be enhanced to a third-degree felony, punishable by 2–10 years in prison, or first-degree felony punishable by 5 years to life in prison if other penal code standards are met, such as burglary or robbery during the act.
- Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 years to life in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
- Robbery is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum $10,00 fine.
- Burglary of a habitation is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
- Burglary of a motor vehicle is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,00 fine. If the defendant has two or more previous convictions for BMV, he or she faces a state jail felony punishable by six months to two years in state jail and a maximum $10,000 fine.
What are some real examples of jugging in Texas?
In Frisco, surveillance video showed a man parking his pick-up truck after withdrawing a large amount of cash at a bank. He left his bank bag in his truck when he went inside an establishment to get a bite to eat. Two men in an SUV approached his truck and one got out and broke the truck window. The suspect grabbed the bank bag and they sped off.
In New Caney, two men were arrested after a task force spotted them following potential targets from a bank. The suspects lost their potential targets on two separate occasions. However, on the third attempt, they followed a vehicle to a nearby Walmart. When the bank patron left the vehicle, the suspects approached it and attempted to break the window.
In Richardson, a woman withdrew money from a bank and then headed to the post office. After she exited the post office, a man approached her, asked if she had been to the bank, told her he had a gun and grabbed her purse. She struggled with him but he got away with her purse.
Accused of Bank Jugging in Texas?
If you or a loved one is facing charges in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, or the surrounding areas, it’s crucial that you contact an experienced defense attorney immediately. Our team has decades of experience and a proven track record of success handling robbery and burglary cases, both as defense attorneys and former prosecutors.
These are serious allegations that could jeopardize your future and your freedom. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get to work on your case. Call 817-203-2220 now for a free consultation.
