Attempted murder is a serious criminal offense. If you are facing charges, you need to retain the immediate help of our criminal defense lawyer. Criminal charges should never be taken lightly. A mere accusation can threaten your reputation and career. In addition, the life-changing penalties of a criminal record will follow you everywhere you go. Due to the serious and sensitive nature of your alleged offense, we urge you to get in touch with our firm. At Funk, Szachacz & Diamond, we bring more than just knowledge and skill to the table. We bring passion and dedication. With our legal team in your corner, you may obtain the upper hand in court. We will work tirelessly in order to defend your rights and dignity.
Have You Been Accused of
Attempted Murder?
If you are being charged with any degree of murder or manslaughter, contact us. Our tenacious advocates stand at the ready to defend you.
Begin Building a DefenseAttempted Murder Defense Attorney
Do Not Take Chances With Your Freedom: (312) 313-1338
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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.
Common Penalties
Attempted murder is charged as either a first-degree or second-degree offense. First-degree attempted murder occurs when the defendant intentionally (and with predetermination) tries to kill someone. Second-degree attempted murder occurs when the defendant acts in a fit of passion, without predetermination. Second-degree attempted murder also occurs when the accused is engaged in committing a felony during the crime.
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Victim Restitution
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Monetary Fines
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Loss of Certain Rights
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Life In Prison
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Probation
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Forfeiture of Assets
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What Is Attempted Murder?
The unsuccessful act of killing. This act involves taking action toward killing another person and intending to kill, not just merely injure.
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Will I Be Convicted?
The prosecutor must prove that you took a direct step toward killing the targeted victim. We will do everything within our power to defend you.
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Do I Need An Attorney?
If convicted you will face severe penalties. Your rights, freedom and future are on the line. Hiring a lawyer is the best step you can take.
We Have The Answers You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions
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What Is The Difference Between Probation & Parole?
Answer
If a judge releases you on a probationary period (rather than assigning any jail/prison time) you will be enabled to live your normal life with minor stipulations and conditions. Parole occurs after serving time in prison due to a conviction. If you maintain good behavior during your prison sentence, you can petition for parole or early release. If you violate parole, you will return to prison to finish your sentence, or you will get a new sentence.
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Can I Clear My Criminal Record?
Answer
If you were previously arrested or are currently facing charges, your criminal history will loom over you like a black cloud. A criminal record can make it difficult to find employment, can put strain on your personal relationships, and can limit your opportunities. If you are looking to expunge your criminal record, we can help you. To find out if you are eligible to seal your record, get in touch with our attorney.
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What Is A “Direct Step” Toward Killing Someone?
Answer
Some actions that are considered direct steps may include: stalking, luring, tracking, breaking-in, ambushing, soliciting, and constructing materials necessary for the murder.
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