At Funk, Szachacz & Diamond, we understand that it can be extremely difficult to learn that your child has been arrested. Fear and uncertainty does not even begin to cover the spectrum of emotion you can feel. Though it is known that youths often act out, whether in rebellion or otherwise, getting caught up in a run in with the law due to illegal behavior can be something that could be life-changing for a child. If your child has been arrested, or if your child’s future is in danger due to a juvenile crime, you must speak with an experienced defense lawyer immediately.
We Are a Law Firm Devoted to Protecting
The Future of Your Child
When your child’s rights are hanging in the balance, our juvenile defense firm is prepared to fight to defend their rights.
Get a Free ConsultationWe Are a Top Juvenile Defense Firm
Proudly Defending Minors in the Area
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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.
Juvenile Criminal Penalties
Most juvenile courts have a wide range of sentencing options, which are used primarily to punish juveniles who have been found “delinquent,” or guilty of violating a criminal law. This includes things like incarceration and non-incarceration options.
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House arrest
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Electronic monitoring
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Sentence in a juvenile detention facility
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Probation or community service
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Extensive fines
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In some cases, sentence to adult jail
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The Juvenile
Justice SystemThe juvenile system has differences from adult criminal court. We can explain how the system handles young offenders so you know what to expect.
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Your Child’s
RightsYour child has rights that must be protected. Just like adults, minors have the right to remain silent & to have access to the best possible counsel.
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Your Child’s
FutureJuvenile charges do not mean they are somehow less severe. Your child deserves to live a life without the obstacles associated with a criminal record.
Juvenile Defense FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
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Questions
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My child was arrested. Will he/she be put in jail?
Answer
Because juvenile cases are handled differently, penalties typically will not involve jail. A juvenile may be faced with more serious penalties if the case is handled in adult court.
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What types of violations trigger a juvenile arrest?
Answer
Each state recognizes different types of violations as a juvenile offense. These can include things like curfew, truancy, liquor-related offenses, drug-related offenses, theft, and more.
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What age is considered to be juvenile?
Answer
Every state has different eligibility criterion, but most states recognize the maximum age for juvenile court as 18. Others can recognize 16 or 17 years, or as old as 19 years.
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What is the difference between juvenile and criminal court?
Answer
The juvenile system is much different than an adult criminal court, and therefore, the procedures are very different as well. Speak with an attorney to learn what to expect in your case.
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Possible Case Outcomes
Plea Agreement
If a case remains in juvenile court, the minor can enter a plea agreement. This is usually based on the condition that the juvenile attend counseling or other alternatives.
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Possible Case Outcomes
Judge Diversion
If a judge chooses to divert a case, the minor will need to complete a court-approved program. Failure to do so could force the court to reinstate the charges.
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Possible Case Outcomes
Adjudicatory Hearings
Also known as a juvenile trial, a judge will determine if the juvenile is delinquent (has violated criminal law). A judge will determine the penalties if the juvenile is ruled delinquent.
We Hear Your Concerns. You Aren’t Alone.
Let Us Help You Understand What to Expect
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Is my child
going to jail? -
How serious
is this? -
I can't afford
to pay the fines -
Is this going on my
criminal record? -
Can you help?
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They just made a mistake