Felony Attorneys in Columbus

Protecting Your Future & Your Freedom Against Felony Charges

A felony charge is one of the most serious allegations a person can face under Ohio law. The consequences reach far beyond the courtroom, touching employment, education, family, and reputation. At Funkhouser Law, we understand how overwhelming this moment can feel and what is at stake for you and those who depend on you. Our role is to bring clarity, structure, and determined advocacy to a process that can otherwise seem impossible to navigate.

Schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help protect your rights and your future. Call (614) 756-2154 today.

The Importance of Good Legal Counsel in Felony Criminal Defense

Felony cases turn on procedure and proof. Charges may be dismissed when police or investigators break the rules, and some cases can be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. Starting with experienced counsel from day one helps protect your rights, control early decisions like bond, and position the case for the best outcome. At Funkhouser Law, our attorneys focus on both the immediate stakes and the long-term impact on work, school, immigration, and record.

In Franklin County, felony prosecutions are brought by the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office in the Court of Common Pleas, while early hearings such as bond and some pretrial matters often occur in Franklin County Municipal Court. Each phase has specific rules, deadlines, and evidence requirements. Our team guides you through each step, from investigation and indictment to motions, negotiations, and trial, with careful review of the state’s evidence and timely filings that preserve your defenses.

We have managed a broad range of felony matters from first contact with law enforcement through closing arguments. That experience with local procedures, calendars, and courtroom practices allows us to anticipate issues, address them quickly, and keep your defense moving in the right direction.

Why Experience & Local Insight Matter in Felony Cases

Felony cases in Columbus move quickly and leave little room for mistakes. Strong defense work relies on understanding how local courts operate, how prosecutors think, and how to stay composed when pressure builds. Few attorneys bring the depth of leadership and courtroom experience that defines Douglas A. Funkhouser and the team he leads.

Founding attorney Douglas A. Funkhouser built his approach in the U.S. Army, where he prosecuted hundreds of cases and advised commanders on complex legal decisions. The same precision and readiness that guided his work as a military prosecutor now shape how our team builds defenses in high-stakes felony trials. Every strategy is grounded in preparation, evidence, and a commitment to protecting what matters most — your future.

Our team is recognized for:

• More than 15,000 criminal cases handled across Franklin County and surrounding courts
• Direct attorney access, including personal cell phone communication and 24/7 availability
• Proactive case management, anticipating changes in judge assignments, court schedules, and prosecution strategies
• Collaboration across every stage, from investigation to trial preparation

Free Initial Consultations & Accessible Representation

Everyone deserves to understand their legal options before making critical decisions. Funkhouser Law offers free initial consultations so you can discuss your situation directly with a felony criminal defense lawyer and receive clear, practical guidance from the start. For convenience, we also provide virtual consultations, allowing clients across Ohio to connect securely with their lawyer without leaving home.

Our representation is affordable and transparent, with fees discussed upfront and tailored to each client’s circumstances. We believe that strong, experienced defense should be within reach for anyone facing felony charges, and we work to make high-quality legal counsel accessible when it matters most.

Our office at 765 S. High Street in Columbus is less than a mile from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and the Franklin County Municipal Court, where most felony cases are handled. We are also just minutes from the county correctional facilities, making it convenient for clients and families to meet with their criminal defense lawyer and stay informed throughout the legal process.

What Is the Difference Between a Felony & a Misdemeanor?

Under Ohio Revised Code Title 29, a felony is defined as a more serious criminal offense than a misdemeanor, typically punishable by more than one year in state prison. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are usually handled in municipal courts and carry shorter jail sentences or fines. Felonies are further divided into five degrees, plus unclassified felonies such as aggravated murder, with penalties increasing based on the severity of the crime.

This classification affects more than sentencing. A felony conviction can limit employment, housing, education, immigration status, and firearm rights, with consequences that extend long after the court’s ruling. The distinction also determines which court will hear the case, what procedures apply, and what sentencing guidelines a judge must follow.

Our Columbus felony criminal defense attorneys understand how these categories work within the Franklin County courts and how to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and pursue outcomes that reduce both immediate penalties and lasting damage to your record.

Call (614) 756-2154 to discuss your case with a seasoned federal criminal defense attorney. The first consultation is free and confidential.