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 served as President of the Brevard County Bar Association for 2007-2008, and is currently a member of the Brevard County Bar Association's Professionalism Committee. This committee nominates, and then selects, lawyer's and a non-lawyer for their consistent demonstration of character, competence and commitment to professionalism. Funk, Szachacz & Diamond, LLC is the annual sponsor of this event. During his term as President, Mr. Szachacz created and formed a sponsorship committee successfully securing sponsorships in an amount over $25,000 for the Brevard County Bar Association in 2007-2008.
Keith Szachacz has appeared on Court TV and the Johnnie Cochran show for his representation of the youngest female charged with murder in Florida. Mr. Szachacz has appeared before the Florida Supreme Court in his representation of individuals convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Mr. Szachacz represented, in Easton, Pennsylvania, a young husband charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder with his co-defendant wife. As a result of this case, the book Lipstick and Blood, was written by John Kearney and published by Pinnacle Books in 2006. In addition, Court TV featured this case on Forensic Files: Cries Unheard. Mr. Szachacz has also represented victims of felonies, and represented victims for Injunctions for Protection Against Violence.
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.
Mr. Szachacz and Mr. Funk successfully defended Brian H. and secured a Not Guilty verdict after the State of Florida charged him with second degree murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend. Mr. Szachacz, during his cross examination of State witness Robin L. before the jury, forced her to admit that a portion of her testimony was false and that she “just made it up.”
Mr. Szachacz is a railroad expert, photographer and published railroad author.
