Douglas Alan Funkhouser | Columbus Criminal Lawyer

Mr. Douglas A. Funkhouser is an Ohio criminal defense attorney, with more than 20 years of experience,compassion for his clients and the diligence to seek justice for all whom he represents. Unlike many attorneys who take a hands-off approach to client representation to increase their case loads, Mr. Funkhouser personally handles each unique case and treats all clients with dignity and respect. Mr. Funkhouser takes his responsibility of representing vulnerable individuals seriously, and strives to obtain the same justice for his clients that he would want for himself and his family. Mr. Funkhouser began his extensive law career in 1995. Prior to founding Douglas A. Funkhouser Co., L.P.A. in 2000, Mr. Funkhouser represented nearly 1,000 clients on a wide variety of civil law issues. As a prosecutor in the U.S. Army, Mr. Funkhouser led a legal staff that prosecuted more than 400 misconduct cases, successfully prosecuted four courts-martial in the Republic of South Korea and acted as the sole legal advisor for 30 commanders with more than 4,000 soldiers deployed within 10 miles of demilitarized zone. As a graduate of The United States Army Judge Advocate General’s School in Charlottesville, Virginia, Mr. Funkhouser also worked as a Captain the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, specialized in military law, statutes and regulations and provided legal advice to special agents and commanders on investigative, administrative and criminal law issues. Additionally, Mr. Funkhouser earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from The Ohio State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Capital University Law School with honors, both in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Funkhouser received bar admissions from the following entities: State of Ohio, admitted November, 1995 United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, admitted November, 1995 U.S. Military Courts, admitted 1996 Mr. Funkhouser is a member of the Columbus Bar Association, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and recipient of the following prestigious honors: U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal U.S. Army Commendation Medal The National Defense Service Medal Overseas Ribbon Australian Royal Army Parachutist Badge U.S. Army Basic Parachutist Badge

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
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.

How did you build a successful practice?
Hard work and persistence. Taking the tough cases and learning to try an effective jury trial.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Knowledge and experience in the specific area of the law that the client needs representation. Natural speaking ability is also a plus.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Knowing the local court system can be crucial in some cases. However, a good trial lawyer can be effective in any court system.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
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.

What information do you need in a free 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.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
My level of trial experience.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Getting people the results they need.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
Cars. I sponsor several car and motorcycle shows at the office throughout the year.

Are you involved in your community?
I volunteer in my community and support local charities personally and through Funkhouser Law.

Position	Organization	Location	Duration
Managing Partner	Douglas A. Funkhouser Co., LPA		2000 - Present
Captain, Judge Advocate	United States Army		1996 - 2000

School	Degree	Major	Graduation
Capital University Law School	J.D.	Law School	1995
Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army	Military Law	Military Law	1996
Capital University Law School	JD	Law	1995
Ohio State University Moritz College of Law	B.A.	History with a Minor in Business Administration	1992

State / Court	Date
Ohio	1995

• 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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