Juvenile Crime in Attorney Melbourne

Strategic Defense For Children and Teens Facing Charges in Melbourne, FL

Learning that your child is being investigated, arrested, or charged can be one of the most stressful moments a parent faces. You worry about what will happen in court, how this will affect school and college plans, and whether a single mistake will follow your child for years. In this situation, you need clear information and a strong juvenile crime lawyer who understands both criminal law and the juvenile system here in Melbourne.

At Funk, Szachacz & Diamond, we help families navigate serious juvenile criminal matters with the same level of care and preparation we bring to major adult criminal trials. Our Board-Certified Criminal Trial lawyers have spent years handling complex, high-stakes cases in Florida courts. We use that background to focus on protecting your child’s rights, freedom, and future opportunities from the very start.

Is your child facing criminal charges? Get immediate help from an experienced juvenile crime defense attorney in Melbourne, FL. Call (321) 360-4446 or contact Funk, Szachacz & Diamond today.

Why Families Trust Our Juvenile Defense Team in Melbourne

Parents who contact us are not looking for generic reassurance. They want experienced criminal defense lawyers who understand what is at stake and who are prepared to stand beside their child in serious court proceedings. At Funk, Szachacz & Diamond, we bring that level of experience and judgment to every juvenile case we handle.

• Board-Certified Criminal Trial Experience: Our firm is based in Melbourne, and our attorneys are Board-Certified in criminal trial work in Florida. This distinction reflects extensive courtroom experience and advanced training in handling serious, high-stakes criminal cases.
• Experience With Complex and High-Profile Matters: Over the years, we have managed complex and high-profile criminal cases, including landmark matters and charges never before prosecuted in Florida. That background is especially valuable when juvenile cases involve serious allegations, novel legal issues, or the possibility of transfer to adult court.
• Focused Attention on Juvenile Defense: We do not treat juvenile cases as secondary matters. Our attorneys collaborate on each case, developing thoughtful strategies that account for both legal challenges and the long-term consequences a young person may face.
• Clear Communication With Parents: We prioritize keeping parents informed, answering difficult questions honestly, and explaining how each decision may affect a child’s future. Families trust us because we treat every juvenile case with the seriousness it deserves.
• Prepared for Fast-Moving, Evidence-Heavy Cases: Juvenile matters can move quickly and involve complex evidence, including digital or technical records. Our criminal trial background allows us to scrutinize that evidence, challenge its admissibility when appropriate, and advocate firmly in contested hearings.

Juvenile Charges We Handle and What Is At Stake in Melbourne

Juvenile cases cover a wide range of alleged behavior, from incidents that might seem minor to very serious accusations. In this area, allegations can arise from school conflicts, neighborhood disputes, social media or online activity, property damage, or encounters at local gathering spots. Whether the charge involves theft, a fight, vandalism, drug possession, or another offense, the consequences can reach far beyond the initial incident.

Common Consequences In Juvenile Matters

Some of the possible consequences in Florida juvenile cases include:

• Probation with conditions that may include school attendance, curfews, or counseling.
• Community service and restitution related to the alleged conduct.
• Placement in a residential or detention facility, depending on risk and history.
• School-based consequences, including suspension or expulsion proceedings.
• Longer-term effects on applications for education, housing, or employment.

Parents often ask whether a juvenile charge will create a permanent record. The answer depends on several factors, such as the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and how the law treats that specific charge. Certain resolutions may make it easier to limit who sees the record, while others can leave a longer-lasting mark. Our role is to evaluate the options within the juvenile system and work toward outcomes that reduce long-term harm as much as possible.

After Your Child Is Arrested or Questioned: First Steps For Parents in Melbourne

The hours and days after an arrest or police interview can feel chaotic. Taking a few structured steps can help protect your child’s rights and preserve important information. 

Parents can take several immediate steps to support their child’s defense:

• Stay calm and present. Children often look to parents for cues, and your calm approach can help them cope.
• Limit discussions about the case. Encourage your child not to talk about details of the incident with anyone but you and your attorney.
• Keep documents organized. Store all papers from law enforcement, the court, or the school in one place so they are easy to review.
• Note important details. Write down dates, locations, and names of people involved while events are still fresh in your mind.
• Reach out for legal guidance. Contact our office promptly so we can help you understand the situation and next steps. If your child has been taken into custody or questioned by law enforcement in or around Melbourne, your priority is to make sure you know where your child is and what officers have communicated so far.

How Our Juvenile Crime Defense Attorneys in Melbourne Fight for Your Child

Defending a juvenile case requires more than a basic understanding of criminal statutes. It requires attention to the child’s age, background, and goals, along with a detailed review of the evidence and procedure. 

When our juvenile crime defense lawyers in Melbourne work for you, they typically focus on:

• Careful fact review. Studying reports, statements, and other evidence to understand exactly what is alleged.
• Rights and procedure. Evaluating whether the child’s constitutional rights were respected during every stage.
• Legal analysis. Assessing whether the facts support the specific charges that have been filed.
• Strategic options. Considering negotiation, diversion, or contested hearings, depending on what is appropriate.
• Future impact. Weighing how each possible path could affect your child’s long-term record and opportunities.

Because we have a team of Board-Certified criminal trial attorneys, we can analyze a case from multiple angles. We look at how the evidence was gathered, whether the child’s rights were honored during questioning, and whether the legal elements of the charged offense are actually supported. Our team discusses potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and considers options within the juvenile system, such as diversion programs when they are available and appropriate.

Our goals include limiting unnecessary detention or supervision, reducing exposure to more severe penalties, and working toward resolutions that minimize the impact on the child’s record whenever possible. In complex or unusual cases, for example, those involving technology or allegations that touch on evolving areas of law, we draw on our history with previously unprosecuted and landmark criminal matters. That experience helps us navigate gray areas and anticipate issues that might not be obvious in a more routine case.

The Juvenile Court Process In Florida

Parents often feel more at ease once they understand how a juvenile case typically moves through the system. While every matter is different, most juvenile cases in Florida follow a series of steps. The specific court that handles the case usually depends on where the alleged offense occurred, so a family in Melbourne can expect hearings to be scheduled within the Brevard County court system that serves this community.

While every matter is unique, common stages may include:

• Intake review. Officials evaluate the allegation and decide how to proceed.
• Detention decision. The court considers whether the child will remain in a facility or return home while the case is pending.
• Adjudicatory hearing. A judge reviews evidence and hears testimony to decide whether the state has proven the charge.
• Disposition hearing. The court determines what conditions or services will apply if the allegation is sustained.
• Follow up and compliance. The child and family work to complete any required terms and return to everyday life.

Records in juvenile cases are treated differently from adult criminal records, but they are not automatically invisible. Several factors, including the type of offense and the outcome, influence who may later see information about the case. Our juvenile crime defense attorneys work to help parents understand these stages before they occur, so that families have time to prepare and participate in shaping the direction of the case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child’s case be moved to adult court in Florida?

In Florida, certain serious juvenile charges can be considered for prosecution in adult court, but this does not apply to every case. The decision usually depends on factors such as the child’s age, the nature of the offense, and any prior history. In some situations, prosecutors have the option to request adult prosecution, and in others, the law may allow or require transfer in limited circumstances.

How will your attorneys keep me informed about my child’s case?

Communication is a central part of how we work with families. When you hire us, we discuss your preferred methods of contact and make sure you understand the key stages that are likely to occur in your child’s case. As the matter progresses, our juvenile defense attorneys update you about important developments, such as hearing dates, negotiations, and court decisions. We encourage parents to ask questions and to raise concerns about school, work, or family responsibilities that could affect how the case is handled. Our goal is to ensure that you are not left guessing about what is happening or why.

Do you handle serious or high-profile juvenile cases?

Yes, our firm is prepared to handle serious juvenile cases, including those that may attract significant attention. Funk, Szachacz & Diamond has a history of managing high-profile and complex criminal matters in Florida, and our attorneys have worked on landmark cases that required careful strategy and measured public handling. When a juvenile case involves severe allegations or unusual circumstances, that experience becomes particularly valuable. We approach these matters with discretion, strong preparation, and a clear focus on protecting the young person at the center of the case.

Talk With Our Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyers in Melbourne

If your child is facing juvenile charges, you do not have to figure out the process on your own. Speaking with a juvenile defense attorney Melbourne can help you understand what is happening, what is at stake, and what options may be available. Our juvenile defense attorneys at Funk, Szachacz & Diamond use their Board-Certified criminal trial backgrounds to evaluate each case carefully and to focus on protecting your child’s rights and future.

Juvenile charges can impact your child’s life forever. Work with a trusted juvenile crime attorney in Melbourne for a strong defense. Call (321) 360-4446 or contact Funk, Szachacz & Diamond today.