Columbus Sex Crime Attorneys
Facing criminal charges can be a frightening experience for anyone. Sex crime allegations are often even more difficult because of their sensitive nature. Defendants often feel isolated and abandoned by those they trusted. In these situations, having a sex crime defense lawyer who stands firm for their client's rights and makes a clear case in court is crucial.
The sex crime attorneys in our Columbus office give defendants compassionate and determined legal representation. With a proven record extending back to 2000, we handle challenging cases and protect our clients’ rights at every stage. When you work with Funkhouser Law, you get direct access to your attorney’s cellphone and 24/7 communication.
Our legal team knows Central Ohio. We regularly work with clients from Franklin County and surrounding areas and understand how Columbus courts manage sex offense charges from arraignment to resolution. Our experience includes knowledge of local court procedures, practical strategies for pre-trial motions, and insight earned from decades of work in Columbus and Cincinnati.
Call us at (614) 756-2154 or use our online contact form to request a free consultation. We’ll meet in person at our offices in Columbus and Cincinnati or virtually, whichever is best for you.
Common Sex Crime Allegations
Our office has extensive experience helping defendants charged with allegations like these:
- Rape: Engaging in sexual conduct with another person by force, threat of force, or deception. In Ohio, rape is a first-degree felony.
- Sexual battery: Engaging in sexual conduct with someone who is mentally incapacitated, unaware, or coerced because of the accused’s authority or influence. This offense can range from a third-degree to a second-degree felony.
- Gross sexual imposition: Having sexual contact with another without their consent or the victim being below a certain age. This is a fourth-degree felony but can become a third-degree felony if the victim is under 13.
- Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor: Also called statutory rape, this involves sexual conduct with someone aged 13 to 15. It is a fourth-degree felony but can be reclassified depending on the age difference and the defendant’s prior record.
- Voyeurism: Spying on someone for sexual gratification without their knowledge or consent. Depending on circumstances, charges range from a third-degree to a fifth-degree felony.
This is a short list of possible offenses. Others include child pornography, public indecency, and others.
Law enforcement and prosecutors in Franklin County pursue these cases aggressively, making early legal help from a qualified sex crime attorney in Columbus essential. Our team stays current on changes in Ohio statutes and local procedures so clients receive advice that reflects the latest developments and realities in Central Ohio courtrooms.
Sex Crime Penalties & Sentencing in Columbus
Sex crimes in Columbus carry significant legal penalties that depend on the severity of the charge and any prior convictions. Judges in Franklin County follow Ohio sentencing guidelines, but each case’s outcome will reflect unique case details such as violence, age of the alleged victim, and other critical factors.
In Ohio, a conviction for rape as a first-degree felony may result in a long prison sentence and heavy fines. Other offenses, like gross sexual imposition or unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, are graded as lower felonies or misdemeanors but still carry the risk of incarceration, probation, community control, and required sex offender registration.
Our team reviews aggravating and mitigating factors that may affect sentencing. If the prosecutor alleges repeat offenses, the penalties may increase, especially for crimes involving minors. Some convictions bring mandatory minimum prison terms under Ohio law. Probation can include limits on where you can live or work.
We help clients understand their risks, options, and the steps to take in Columbus courts. Our sex crime defense attorney Columbus team communicates clearly about court routines, deadlines, and what to expect at each stage.
How Sex Crime Cases Move Through Columbus Courts
A sex crime case generally begins when city or county law enforcement conducts an arrest. If police establish probable cause, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office may file charges and place the case on a court docket. Defendants appear in Franklin County Municipal Court for initial hearings, including arraignment, bond setting, and pre-trial conferences. Complex cases may move to the Court of Common Pleas.
We help each client understand what to expect at every court date. Columbus-area cases follow specific local rules and deadlines. The court process may include negotiations, motion hearings, and, if needed, a trial in Franklin County. From entering a plea to challenging evidence, each step shapes the future of the case. We adapt legal guidance to each phase, making sure clients know their choices and what the local courts require in these cases.
Experienced Representation You Can Reach & Access
Attorney Douglas A. Funkhouser brings more than 30 years of criminal defense experience to every case. Before founding the firm in 2000, he served as a U.S. Army prosecutor, leading hundreds of cases and advising commanders on complex legal matters. That foundation built the discipline and judgment that now define how our firm approaches serious sex crime cases in Franklin County courts.
Representation should be both accessible and affordable. We offer free initial consultations so clients can understand their options before committing to representation, and virtual consultations for those who cannot meet in person. Fees are discussed openly, with fair, transparent arrangements that let clients focus on their defense rather than financial strain.
Our Columbus office, located on South High Street, sits less than a mile from the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and nearby detention facilities, providing convenient access for clients and families throughout Central Ohio.
Facing sex crime charges? Talk directly with a sex crimes attorney who will listen, explain your options, and guide you forward. Your first consultation is free.
The Ohio Sex Offender Registry
The Ohio Sex Offender Registry helps the state monitor individuals convicted of certain sex crimes, but being listed can have severe and long-term effects on a person’s life.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office operates the registry and classifies offenders into three tiers based on their offense and risk to the community. This classification dictates how long and how often a person must register.
Tier I offenders register annually for 15 years and often include those convicted of less severe offenses like unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Tier II offenders must register every 180 days for 25 years for crimes such as gross sexual imposition. Tier III offenders, convicted of offenses like rape or sexual battery, must register every 90 days for life.
Being on the Ohio Sex Offender Registry means providing detailed personal information, including home address, employer, school enrollment, vehicle details, and online usernames. All this information becomes public, which leads to social stigma, makes employment difficult, and can limit housing choices.
The sex crime lawyers in our Columbus office recognize the stress and uncertainty of being listed on the registry. We are always thorough and committed as trial lawyers, working carefully to craft defense strategies that improve your chances at the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to appear in court for a sex crime charge in Columbus?
Most people charged with a sex crime in Columbus must appear in court for at least some hearings. The number of required appearances depends on the specific charges, the assigned judge, and the progression of the case through the local court system.
Can a sex crime case be resolved without going to trial?
Some sex crime cases in Franklin County may resolve through plea agreements or negotiations before trial. Whether this is an option depends on the details of the case, the available defenses, and the pros and cons discussed with a defense attorney.
What restrictions could I face if I am convicted?
A conviction may result in penalties including incarceration, mandatory sex offender registration, probation supervision, as well as limits on where you can live or work, as decided by Ohio law and local courts.
Real Experiences from Our Clients
Dedicated to Your Defense
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“My family and I will recommend him and use him in the future if we need an attorney.”- R.A.
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“You took a lot of the stress out of going to court and working around my schedule.”- David A.
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“Doug Funkhouser is one of the most intelligent and personable criminal defense attorneys in Ohio.”- B.G.
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“I was pleasantly surprised at the level of knowledge, patience and ownership taken while handling my case in front of the necessary people in court.”- T.G.
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“- Christy O.
Thank you Doug for your continued assistance with all of our business needs. Your personal contact and attentiveness to our requests are much appreciated. Your dedication and professionalism have truly been effective within all of our business and personal cases.
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“I contacted Doug and he returned my call in a fast timely fashion, answering all my questions and making me feel confident about my case.”- J.E.
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“- John F.
J and I again want to thank you very much for the outstanding professional help that you provided on J’s behalf.
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“As a lawyer I understood the problems facing me when I was cited for OVI. I knew Doug and his reputation, but still had much trepidation about my case. Through the course of his representation he alleviated these concerns and kept me calm.”- R.B.
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“His character, experience, and work ethic make him an ideal Lawyer.”- Dan R.