Missouri Counsel Seeks Disbarment for Attorney Dale Funk
The Missouri Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel is moving to strip attorney Dale Funk of his law license.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Crime — General
The Missouri Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel has filed a motion to disbar attorney Dale Funk. The move follows accusations that Funk issued a fraudulent subpoena to Verizon and signed a death certificate falsely claiming he was the spouse of his deceased partner.
Why it matters
The disciplinary action stems from allegations that Funk used his legal authority to secure cell phone records for personal gain during a police investigation. Funk has admitted to forging the subpoena as an act of self-preservation.
The disciplinary office has requested the assessment of a $2,000 fee against Funk as part of the disbarment proceedings. The Missouri Supreme Court now holds the authority to decide if the attorney will lose his license in the seven states where he is currently admitted.
The players
Dale Funk
He is an attorney who is currently licensed to practice law in seven different states.
Missouri Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel
This is the state regulatory agency responsible for investigating complaints against attorneys and recommending professional discipline.
Missouri Supreme Court
This is the highest judicial body in the state that serves as the final authority on attorney disciplinary matters.
Verizon
This is a telecommunications company that was served with a subpoena regarding cell phone records.
The details
Funk reportedly repurposed a subpoena from a separate, unrelated legal case to demand records from Verizon just ten days after his partner died in his home. Furthermore, he claimed the status of a husband on an official death certificate despite never holding a legal marriage license, following a non-legal ceremony held in Florida in 2022.
Timeline
In 2020, Funk and his partner reconnected professionally.
The couple held a marriage ceremony in Florida in 2022.
The partner died in Funk's home on March 14, 2022.
Funk issued a fraudulent subpoena to Verizon on March 24, 2022.
The disbarment request was published on October 26, 2026.
Legal Context
The filing follows a pattern set by the American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which mandate strict honesty and integrity for all licensed attorneys. These standards are rigorously enforced to maintain public trust in the legal profession across the state.
This case serves as a warning regarding the standards expected of legal professionals operating within Missouri. Residents and clients should verify the credentials of their legal representation through official state boards to ensure compliance with professional regulations.
The takeaway
Legal professionals are held to high standards of conduct that extend to their personal interactions and handling of sensitive documentation. Discrepancies in official filings, such as death certificates or subpoenas, can result in severe professional consequences including the loss of a license.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Missouri Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Missouri Lawyers Media.
