If you or someone you know has been arrested for drug possession, do not wait a moment to speak with a legal professional at Funk, Szachacz & Diamond. Our firm has defended individuals who have been faced with all types of drug-related offenses throughout and the surrounding area. Our firm has worked hard to develop a strong reputation in the legal field. We do not just look for easy plea deals; rather, we work hard to protect the rights of people whose freedoms are on the line. Speak with us by calling (312) 313-1338. We can defend your future and freedom.
Were You or a Loved One Arrested for
Drug Possession?
Funk, Szachacz & Diamond is the firm to call when you’ve had a run-in with the law. Contact our drug defense attorneys now!
Get a Free ConsultationDrug Possession Defense in
A Local Firm that Isn’t Afraid to Fight for Your Rights
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Kepler Funk
Attorney
As a criminal attorney in Melbourne Florida, Kepler B. Funk is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. He has appeared pro hac vice in other jurisdictions including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, Texas and Kansas.
Mr. Funk is a Florida Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. Further, he was selected to serve, as one of only nine Florida attorneys, on the Florida Bar's Board Certification Committee for Criminal Trial Law. Further, he served as Vice-Chair of that committee. Mr. Funk is a LIFE Member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and previously sat on its Board of Directors. Additionally, he is a member of the International Criminal Defense Attorney Association, International Criminal Bar and is on the list of approved defense counsel to appear in the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands and in the Extraordinary Chambers for the Courts of Cambodia. He is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American Association for Justice, the American Bar Association and is a former member of the Vassar B. Carlton American Inn of Court and Board of Directors Member of the Children's Home Society.
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Keith Szachacz
Attorney
Keith Szachacz graduated Cum Laude from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics. Mr. Szachacz served as a Judge on the Student Hearing Board and was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. He received his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law in 1992. As a criminal attorney in Melbourne Florida, Mr. Szachacz is a member of the Brevard County Bar Association, The Florida Bar, American Association for Justice, American Bar Association, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, U.S. District Court- Middle District of Florida, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.
Mr. Szachacz and the firm represented Colleen Shipman, the victim of an attack by former astronaut Lisa Nowak. The firm protected Ms. Shipman’s interests during the State of Florida’s prosecution of Lisa Nowak. In addition, ABC’s 20/20 Primetime News Program, with anchor Chris Cuomo, featured a one hour story about Colleen Shipman under the supervision of the firm.
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Alan Diamond
Attorney
Alan Diamond Melbourne FL defense attorney has been the attorney of record in over 11,000 criminal cases. Mr. Diamond graduated from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies. He received his law degree in 1992 from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill College of Law.
During his career as a criminal attorney in Melbourne Florida, Mr. Diamond has handled numerous cases in both State and Federal Court. Specifically, Mr. Diamond successfully defended a NASA Space Shuttle quality assurance specialist who was indicted for 166 counts of fraud involving the Space Shuttle in Federal Court. Alan Diamond has also successfully represented victims of felonies as well as those people seeking injunctions for protection. In addition, he has tried cases of all types, from misdemeanors to homicides in both State and Federal Court. He has significant jury trial experience representing those accused of a myriad of crimes including; rape, DUI, murder, burglary, drug trafficking, sex crimes, computer crimes and others.
Our Most Notable Cases
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6 felony counts of Performing Lewd Acts Upon a Minor
Dismissed
A tennis pro, Mr. D. was arrested and accused of 6 felony counts of Performing Lewd Acts Upon a Minor. After nearly three years of investigation by the firm, the government eventually dismissed all felonies against Mr. D.
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Two Counts of Sexual Battery and False Imprisonment.
Acquitted
Mr. B., a law school graduate, was arrested and charged by the government with two counts of Sexual Battery and False Imprisonment. Although DNA matched Mr. B. to the alleged victim, Mr. B. was acquitted of all charges after jury trial.
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Trafficking, Conspiracy to Traffic
Dismissed
Mr. M. was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Oxycodone, Conspiracy to Traffic in Oxycodone and Acquiring a Controlled Substance by Fraud. After a year-long investigation by the attorneys, the Government dismissed all felonies and Mr. M. was not convicted of any crime.
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Double Murder
Reversal of conviction and death sentence
The attorneys were asked to serve as appellate counsel for Mr. B. after he was convicted of two murders and sentenced to death. The attorneys agreed to become Mr. B’s appellate counsel. They successfully briefed and argued before the Florida Supreme Court for the unanimous 7-0 reversal of his conviction and death sentence.
Put Your Case in Capable & Competent Hands
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Our Attorneys are Certified by the Florida State Bar.
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We Value Integrity & Handle Each Case Honestly.
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Our Team is Backed by a Track Record of Success.
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Our Attorneys Will Personally Handle Your Case.
Penalties You Could Face
If you or someone you love has been arrested for drug possession, your immediate action will be necessary. Prosecutors are notorious for aggressively pursuing convictions with drug-related offenses. This means that police officers, investigators, and other entities powered by the State will be utilizing every resource to bring down the power of the law on offenders.
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Time in prison or jail
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Large fines to pay
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Loss of your right to carry a firearm
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Forfeiture of assets
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Permanent criminal record
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Immigration consequences
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Marijuana
PossessionEven first-time offenders can be facing serious penalties, including things like probation, community service, fines, or even a jail sentence.
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Cocaine
PossessionMost cocaine possession charges often involve simple or constructive possession. The penalties associated with these charges are incredibly serious.
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Heroin
PossessionHeroin possession cases can be tried either as a state or a federal offense. The resulting penalties will be based on the degree of the offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Answers? We Can Help.
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Questions
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What are my rights after an arrest?
Answer
We believe that knowledge can be the strongest defense. If you have been arrested, know that you have the right to remain silent and you have the right to request an attorney. Both of these things (also known as your Miranda Rights) ultimately protect your 5th Amendment Right to avoid self-incrimination.
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I think my rights were violated. Now what?
Answer
Though most police officers adhere strictly to search and seizure laws, unfortunately, overreaching policing practices could end up violating your rights during an arrest. Whether you think your rights were violated during a traffic stop or during a search, if you think you were arrested wrongfully, or were not read your Miranda Warnings, speak with us immediately. We could use this information to the advantage of your defense strategy.
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Do certain crimes have more serious penalties?
Answer
Yes. Like any other type of criminal charge, drug crimes can be categorized in multiple ways, including misdemeanors, felonies, and federal crimes. Typically, misdemeanor drug crimes will have lesser penalties, while felony and federal drug crime cases could have more severe penalties. No matter what type of charge you face, it will be crucial to work with a defense lawyer who understands how to protect you.
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What kind of penalties am I facing?
Answer
Because every case is handled on an individual basis and must be assessed with the unique circumstances involved, it is hard to determine the exact penalties associated with a drug crime. Consequences could include jail or prison time, court fees, drug treatment programs, probation, community service, or more.
What Factors Are Taken Into Consideration During Sentencing?
- The type of drugs and narcotics involved
- The quantity of drugs and narcotics
- Nature and variety of prior criminal convictions
- Overall criminal history of the defendant charged
- Whether the defendant is curently on probation
- The actual or potential harm to the public
- The financial benefit to the defendant
- The defendant's age
- The defendant's own dependence on drugs or narcotics
- The defendant's psychiatric history
- Evidence of rehabilitation