Few things can be more stressful than being accused of committing a crime. If you or someone you love has been arrested for a misdemeanor offense in the area, our criminal defense attorney is prepared to help guide your steps through the legal process. Even though a misdemeanor may not always result in jail time, the negative implications can create serious obstacles, like professional backlash or strains in personal relationships. It is our primary goal to help minimize – or completely avoid – the penalties associated with a misdemeanor conviction. Call (312) 313-1338!
Charged with a Misdemeanor?
Our Firm Can Defend You.
At Funk, Szachacz & Diamond, we focus on protecting the rights of the criminally accused. Let us help you move forward with your life.
Get Your Free ConsultationMisdemeanor Defense in
We Are a Local Firm Devoted to Protecting Your Freedom
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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.
Misdemeanor Penalties & What They Mean
Prosecutors are highly trained in the art of securing conviction. Though prosecutors will be mostly open for negotiation, some will try to seek the maximum penalties in an effort to make an example out of your case. Do not leave your future to chance.
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Time in county jail
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Excessive fines & court fees
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Court mandated community service
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Probation, in certain cases
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Permanent criminal record
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Immigration consequences
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First-Time
OffensesBeing arrested for the first time can be overwhelming & humiliating. We can inform you of your rights and options to help reduce the stress.
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Misdemeanor
OffensesThough misdemeanor offenses are typically thought to be less severe than felonies, they can still have life-changing ramifications.
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Penalties &
ExpungementCommon penalties can range from jail time to community service. Fortunately, a criminal record can be sealed in some instances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need to Know About Your Case
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Questions
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Will I go to jail if I was arrested?
Answer
No, not necessarily. Although each county may have slightly different booking processes, you may be placed in a holding cell until you have been read your official charges during your arraignment (first hearing before a judge). A jail or prison sentence can only be brought if you have been found guilty and convicted, or if you have plead to a lesser charge with a jail sentence involved.
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If I’m not guilty, why do I need a lawyer?
Answer
At Funk, Szachacz & Diamond, we always assume our clients to be innocent until proven guilty, and we will always represent them as such. Even if you know that you are not guilty, you will be facing off against highly trained Prosecutors and District Attorneys. It is their primary motivation to utilize the State’s resources to obtain a conviction and penalize you accordingly.
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What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony?
Answer
Criminal offenses can be categorized in multiple ways, and this includes misdemeanor charges and felony charges. Misdemeanor offenses are typically considered to be lesser offenses, and typically result in a jail time sentence of less than 1 year. On the other hand, felonies are much more severe and can carry a lengthy prison sentence of 1 year or more.
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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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Possible Case Outcomes
Charges Dismissed
We work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome, including getting your criminal charges completely dismissed, acquitted, or dropped.
We Hear Your Concerns. You Aren’t Alone.
Let Us Help You Understand What to Expect
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Am I
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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I regret all of it