Manslaughter Attorney in Columbus

Facing a Manslaughter Charge? Put More Than 30 Years of Experience to Work

If you’re under investigation or facing charges, the first step is to identify precisely what authorities are alleging. We determine whether the accusation involves voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, or another homicide offense before evaluating the evidence and potential defenses.

Douglas A. Funkhouser brings the perspective of a former U.S. Army prosecutor to this analysis. An early review may cover police reports, recordings, witness accounts, physical evidence, forensic testing, medical findings, and statements attributed to you.

Call (614) 756-2154 for a free consultation about an investigation, arrest, indictment, or upcoming court proceeding.

How Ohio Distinguishes Voluntary & Involuntary Manslaughter

Ohio law separates these charges based on the alleged conduct, surrounding circumstances, and connection between that conduct and the death. Neither charge is interchangeable with murder, reckless homicide, negligent homicide, or vehicular homicide.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.03, voluntary manslaughter involves knowingly causing a death while under the influence of sudden passion or a sudden fit of rage brought on by serious provocation reasonably sufficient to incite the use of deadly force. The offense is classified as a first-degree felony.

The timing, alleged provocation, mental state, witness credibility, and physical evidence can shape the legal analysis. Sudden passion and serious provocation are specific statutory requirements, not general descriptions of anger or conflict.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.04 applies when a death is alleged to be the proximate result of committing or attempting another qualifying offense. The causation issue is whether the prosecution can establish the required legal connection between the underlying conduct and the death.

Felony-based involuntary manslaughter is a first-degree felony. When the underlying conduct is a misdemeanor, regulatory offense, or qualifying minor misdemeanor, the charge is generally a third-degree felony.

Evidence That Can Shape a Columbus Manslaughter Defense

Our defense work starts with what the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. We compare its theory with the complete record instead of treating an arrest report or initial witness statement as the final account.

Depending on the charge, important issues can include:

• Mental state: Whether the evidence establishes the level of intent required by the charged offense.
• Provocation: Whether the circumstances satisfy the legal standard for serious provocation and sudden passion.
• Underlying offense: Whether the prosecution can prove the felony, misdemeanor, or other offense supporting involuntary manslaughter.
• Causation: Whether the alleged conduct legally caused the death or another explanation undermines that theory.
• Constitutional issues: Whether statements, searches, seizures, or identification procedures complied with applicable protections.
• Justification: Whether the evidence supports self-defense, defense of others, or another legally recognized justification.

Direct Attorney Access Throughout a Serious Felony Case

Douglas A. Funkhouser personally handles each case, applying more than 30 years of legal experience to the investigation, motion practice, negotiations, and trial preparation.

Clients receive their attorney’s cellphone number for 24/7 communication. Virtual consultations and digital options are also available when meeting remotely is more practical.