Douglas Alan Funkhouser | Columbus Criminal Lawyer

I had a college student who was knocked unconscious in a bar fight. When he regained conscious, he was concussed which can appear to be intoxicated. He was staggering outside of the bar, bloody and obviously beaten, when a bouncer directed two police officers to talk to him. The client cooperated with officers and was taken to a substation. Unfortunately, during the confusion that followed the concussion, my client thought the officers were the ones who assaulted him. He was placed face down on the ground and handcuffed when he verbally accused the officers of assaulting him. During that process he allegedly kicked one officer in the ankle and spit on another's covered pant leg. My client was subsequently charged with assaulting the two officers. My research and use of expert testimony convinced the prosecutor to get rid of the felony charges.

Hard work and persistence. Taking the tough cases and learning to try an effective jury trial.

Knowledge and experience in the specific area of the law that the client needs representation. Natural speaking ability is also a plus.

Knowing the local court system can be crucial in some cases. However, a good trial lawyer can be effective in any court system.

I will do a quick review of the client's situation to see if my office can help. I also want to discuss the kind of work we do and potential fees during a phone consultation.

Where, when and how the client's problem developed. I also want to know the time for court appearances to check my offices' availability for an arraignment or initial appearance.

My level of trial experience.

Getting people the results they need.

Cars. I sponsor several car and motorcycle shows at the office throughout the year.

I volunteer in my community and support local charities personally and through Funkhouser Law.

• National Trial Lawyers Association | Top 100 Trial Lawyers | 2013 - Present
  Columbus Bar Association | Criminal Law | 2009 - Present
  Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2002 - Present

• Top 100 Trial Lawyers | The National Trial Lawyers | 2013
  Chosen to 2011 Super Lawyers List | Super Lawyers | 2011
  Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2009

• Case: State v. L.F. Summary: Client was charged with raping his step daughter under the age of 13. This charge carried a life sentence if convicted. I prepared my client to testify at trial and he and I worked closely formulating the defense of his case. I successfully cross examined the alleged victim and pointed out the numerous inconsistencies in her testimony. She alleged her sister was also a victim, but I confronted her with her sister's testimony that she was not a victim. My client testified for close to an hour on direct. His cross examination lasted half the time and the prosecutor was unable to successfully impeach him. The jury deliberated for several hours and found him not guilty on all counts. The court subsequently sealed this case and it does not show up on my client's record. Result: Not guilty

• Publications:
  
  Trends in DUI Discovery (Inside the Minds) | Using Discovery to the Advantage of the Defense | 2013
  
  Jury Selection in Criminal Cases by Aspatore | The Criminal Voir Dire Process in Criminal Proceedings | 2013
  
  Speaking Engagements:
  
  Criminal Advocacy | Direct Examination of the Defendant | 2015
  FAQ Series | OVI Basics | 2008

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