Funkhouser Law Firm, established in 2000, offers personalized and high-quality criminal defense throughout Central Ohio. With over 30 years of experience, we defend your rights with compassion, diligence, and integrity.
Columbus Defense Lawyers
Criminal charges can threaten your freedom, reputation, and record while leaving you and your loved ones uncertain about what comes next. At Funkhouser Law, we provide the focused defense and guidance you need during this difficult time.
We represent clients facing a wide range of criminal charges and related legal concerns:
- Domestic violence and guns
- Drugs and sex-related offenses
- Traffic violation cases and DUI and OVI
- Felony charges and violent crimes
- White-collar crimes and theft crimes
- Misdemeanors, warrants, and Title IX violations
Our criminal defense attorneys also represent people seeking to have a past conviction expunged so they can pursue a fresh start.
Funkhouser Law serves the Central and Southern Ohio Region, including Columbus and Cincinnati. Call (614) 756-2154 today for a free consultation.
What Happens After an Arrest in Franklin County
An arraignment is the first court appearance after a criminal charge. The defendant appears before a judge or magistrate and may enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court also addresses release conditions, including bail and bond when applicable.
A defendant charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor or a more serious offense may request a jury trial. The case is then set for a pretrial hearing before a judge. Depending on the charge, case posture, and decisions made during the proceedings, the case may continue through additional pretrial hearings, trial, and sentencing.
Franklin County Criminal Courts
We handle Columbus criminal defense matters in the Franklin County Municipal Court, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, 10th District Court of Appeals, and Mayor’s Courts. The Franklin County Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal and traffic cases, while the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas has original jurisdiction over felony cases.
Several Franklin County municipalities operate Mayor’s Courts that hear traffic infractions and traffic ordinance violations. The court involved determines where hearings occur and which procedures apply, making the correct jurisdiction an important early consideration.
We Take on the Tough Challenges
Our founding partner, Attorney Douglas A. Funkhouser, worked as a prosecutor for the U.S. Army in South Korea. He founded the firm in 2000 and has practiced law since 1995. As a U.S. Army prosecutor, he led a legal staff that prosecuted more than 400 misconduct cases and personally prosecuted four courts-martial in the Republic of South Korea.
That background informs how we investigate allegations, prepare for trial, and build defenses in difficult cases. Regardless of the prosecution’s confidence or the judgment you may face from friends, neighbors, or family, we prepare the legal defense you need.
We’ve handled more than 3,000 cases, including a third OVI case that ended without jail and with driving privileges, a not-guilty verdict on a child endangering charge, and dismissed domestic violence and assault charges. In another case, our client received probation instead of prison for a first-degree felony drug trafficking charge involving firearm and major drug offender specifications. Past performance doesn’t guarantee or imply a future outcome, but our record reflects the preparation and persistence we bring to every case.
Results Matter
A Proven History Of Success
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No Jail – Driving Privileges 3rd OVI
A client charged with his 3rd OVI in 10 was able to avoid jail after we discovered officers made mistakes during the breath test.
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No Jail - Driving Privileges 3rd OVI - High Test OVI
A Client blew twice the legal limit after his 3rd OVI in 10 years. Our attorneys discovered the police made mistakes in the investigation and the Client was able to avoid jail.
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Not Guilty Child Endangering
A single mother of two was accused of child endangering when she left her two children in the car while she ran into the grocery store. The Judge found our Client not guilty at trial after we demonstrated there was no risk of harm to the kids.
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Charges Dismissed Domestic Violence and Assault
Client who suffered in an abusive relationship has domestic violence charges dismissed without trial after our team provides Cincinnati City Prosecutor's Office with evidence of alleged victim's crimes.
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Warrant Recalled Domestic Violence and Felony Strangulation Warrant
A felony warrant was issued for our Client's arrest after his ex-wife accused him of strangling her. After presenting our case to the judge, the prosecutor set aside the warrant over the prosecutor's objection and our Client was able to avoid being arrested.
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No Jail - Probation F1 Drug Trafficking - Firearm Specification - Major Drug Offender Specification
Our Client was present when a home was raided by police. Law enforcement found multiple guns and a large amount of narcotics. If convicted our Client faced over a decade in prison. We were able to negotiate with the prosecutor to get our Client on probation and keep him out of jail
Recognized Legal Excellence
Awards & Associations
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Your Guide Through Your Case
Criminal charges create uncertainty for defendants and their loved ones. We explain the process, protect your rights, and give you clear guidance as your case moves forward.
The prosecution bears the burden of proving its allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. A jury, which under Ohio law consists of 8 members in misdemeanor cases and 12 in felony cases, must unanimously agree that this threshold has been met. Our role is to examine the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and show where reasonable doubt remains.
We investigate diligently, strategize methodically, and advocate vigorously. You can count on us to stand in your corner.
Your Right to Remain Silent
The Fifth Amendment protects you from being compelled to testify against yourself in a criminal case. Before a custodial interrogation, which means police questioning while you’re in custody, officers must warn you that you have the right to remain silent, that your statements can be used as evidence, and that you have the right to an attorney.
If you state that you wish to remain silent after receiving those warnings, the interrogation must stop. You may also request an attorney during custodial questioning. Exercising either right gives you time to speak with a criminal defense lawyer before answering further questions.
Bail & Bond After an Ohio Arrest
Ohio release options include an unsecured bail bond, a bond secured by a 10% cash deposit, or a surety bond secured by real estate, securities, or cash. When setting bail, courts consider the alleged crime, the weight of the evidence, family ties, employment, financial resources, and length of residence.
Release on bail requires the defendant to appear in court as directed and comply with the court’s conditions. Missing a required appearance can result in forfeiture of bail and additional punishment under Ohio law.
The Zealous Legal Defense You Deserve
The Constitution protects your right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and your right to an attorney. Those protections require a defense lawyer who takes your case seriously, has the resources to prepare, and is ready to challenge the prosecution’s claims.
At Funkhouser Law, we take protecting your rights seriously. We build an aggressive defense strategy that challenges the prosecution’s theories, and we remain available during this critical time. Attorney Douglas A. Funkhouser personally handles each case. You’ll receive your lawyer’s cellphone number and have 24/7 access when you need to communicate with us. We’ll fight for you.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (614) 756-2154 or contacting us online. We serve clients in Columbus and Cincinnati. If it’s more convenient for you, we can meet virtually.
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Individualized RepresentationMr. Funkhouser personally handles each case, ensuring every client receives the highest quality legal representation and individualized attention.
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Unmatched ExperienceWith over 30 years of experience and over 3,000 cases handled, Doug Funkhouser brings unparalleled experience and insight to every case.
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Free ConsultationsWe offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions.
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Former Prosecutor ExperienceAs a former prosecutor, Doug Funkhouser understands the intricacies of both sides of the courtroom, giving you a strategic advantage in your defense.
Real Experiences from Our Clients
Dedicated to Your Defense
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“So we were confused and disoriented but Mr. Funkhouser was really patient and highly professional every time we called or met with him.”- E.J.
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“The thing I appreciate most about Doug was his honesty. I always felt like I could trust what he told me and in fact I was smart to do so.”- J.W.
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“He treated my case like he was fighting to save himself.”- J.L.
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“Now whenever someone needs legal services or advice, I immediately refer them to Doug Funkhouser because I know he will do a superb job of defending them.”- C.G.
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“He saved me over $6,000 in fines and court costs.”- J.J.
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“I am certain my life would be in ruins had I hired different attorney.”- M.M.
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“He really helped me out. I know anyone that needs help with legal problems needs to contact Doug, he’s a life saver.”- W.M.
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“Doug met us at the courthouse and my anxiety went down another notch and it continued to go down and then was gone, knowing Doug was representing my son.”- E.F.
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“I sincerely felt like he had my best interests in mind and worked to get a fair and favorable outcome for me.”- C.M.
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