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Denise Kirby
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About Denise
Biography
I've lived in the Kansas City area most of my life, and I have practiced law in Kansas City since I graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in 1994.
I am the President of the Missouri DWI Institute and the Missouri Society for Criminal Justice. I'm Co-Chair of the Missouri DWI Institute Summer Series, a DWI training seminar that teaches attorneys how to better defend DWI cases. My peers have selected me as one of very few "Super Lawyers" in the area of DUI/DWI Defense in the states of Missouri and Kansas for many years running. I am Co-Chair of The Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar (2017-20) and have served on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and as a member of the MACDL DWI Committee. I was named Best DWI/DUI Attorney by the Kansas City Star in 2023.
When something is wrong with my car, I have no idea whether I can tust the mechanic. I imagine it feels that way to clients looking to hire a lawyer. When interviewing an attorney, ask many questions about his or her experience with your type of situation. Ask what they do to better their skills and knowledge and to keep up with the law and science of DWI. What courses have they attended recently? Are they asked to speak at legal seminars to teach other lawyers DWI defense? Do they try cases? Importantly, DO THEY WIN? Don't be afraid to ask these questions. You're hiring someone you will be trusting with your future.
WHEN FACING A DWI CHARGE, YOU NEED A RESPECTED, KNOWLEDGEABLE, EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY WHO WINS.
WHEN CHARGED WITH DWI, YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY WHO WINS. RESPECTED, KNOWLEDGEABLE, AND EXPERIENCED.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
DUI and DWI
100%
32 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Kansas for 12 years
State: Kansas
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Licensed in Missouri for 31 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Denise Kirby
Two Pershing Square Building, 2300 Main St., Ste. 900, Kansas City, MO, 64108
denisekirbylaw.comOnline Presence
Other places you can find Denise online.
Denise Kirby's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
87 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Drug Crime
Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime
Denise Kirby is a Great Lawyer
Denise Kirby came very highly recommended to me and my case. As i was facing multiple felony charges including felony DUI and felony drug possession, her knowledge and experience proved to be paramount in getting the result we wanted. She was able to get both charges amended and i did not serve jail ...
Posted by anonymous | January 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime
She’s the best!
Denise Kirby did an amazing job with my case. She got 2 warrants and 3 charges dismissed. -speeding -possession of marijuana -attempting to elude Ended up with just a fine and light probation. It’s obvious she knows her stuff and has a great reputation within her community. I highly rec...
Denise Kirby's Lawyer Endorsements
"Denise is a national leader in DUI & DWI defense. As a fellow attorney I know I can count on her to help me think through difficult issues in my case. Her clients are fortunate to have her on their side."
"Denise's reputation is unmatched. She is an excellent trial attorney who strives for great results for all of her clients."
"Denise has done groundbreaking work in defending clients in felony DWI charges."
"I endorse this lawyer. I consulted with Denise on a very complicated case involving prior offenses. She walked me through the proper motion to keep the charge from becoming a felony. It was successful. She knows what she is doing, and is known as a lawyer's lawyer. She has also been a featured speaker at our annual DWI seminar"
"One of the best and brightest in the state, Ms. Kirby is well-versed in DUI and criminal defense law. She thoroughly researches every potential issue in each case, offering her clients uniquely tailored, well-crafted defenses. I highly recommend this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is one of the best criminal defense lawyers on the western side of Missouri."
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Best DWI/DUI Attorney in Kansas City, Kansas City Star
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer - DUI/DWI Defense, Super Lawyers - voted by peers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer - DUI/DWI Defense, Super Lawyers - voted by peers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer - DUI/DWI Defense, Super Lawyers - voted by peers
2019
"10 Best Attorneys" Criminal Law in Missouri, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer - DUI/DWI Defense, Super Lawyers - voted by peers
2019
President's Award, Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2019
Top 100 - Criminal Defense Law, Association of American Trial Lawyers
2019
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2019
"10 Best Attorneys" DUI/DWI Law for Missouri, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2018
Nation's Top One Percent, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2018
Missouri's Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2018
10 Best Attorneys - Missouri, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2018
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers, The American Society of Legal Advocates
2017
Top 10 Criminal Law Attorneys - Missouri, American Jurist Institute
2016
Top 100 DWI Attorneys, National Association For DUI Defense
2016
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers, The American Society of Legal Advocates
2015
Top 100 DWI Attorneys, National Association For DUI Defense
2015
Top One Percent, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2014
"10 Best" Criminal Lawyers in MO based on Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2014
Top 100 DWI Attorneys, The National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
NHTSA Certified to Administer Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Work Experience
1996 - Present
Attorney, The Law Offices of Denise Kirby
1994 - 1996
Associate, Shook Hardy & Bacon, Kansas City, Mo/Overland Park, Ks
Associations
2020 - Present
Missouri DWI InstitutePresident
2018 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2017 - Present
National College for DUI Defense, Inc.Member
2015 - Present
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersDWI Committee
2006 - Present
Missouri Society for Criminal JusticePresident
2015 - 2020
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard of Directors
1994 - 2013
Kansas City Metropolitan Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Department of Revenue License Hearings
Won
Education
1994
Georgetown University Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
Missouri State University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2022
24 Hour NHTSA SFST Training for Lawyers
The DWI Legal Environment
2020
The Missouri DWI Institute Summer Series
The Criminal Basics of DWI Defense
2019
DWI Law & Science Seminar
Winning Administrative License Hearings: Using Their Records Against Them
2019
Bernie Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar
Seminar Co-Chair
2018
DWI Law & Science Seminar
Challenging Prior DWI Convictions in the Criminal Case
2018
Bernie Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar
Seminar Co-Chair
2017
Solo & Small Firm Conference
DWI Defense
2017
Solo & Small Firm Conference
Practicing in Municipal Court post-Ferguson
2017
DWI Law & Science Seminar
How to Win Administrative Hearings Using Only the Records
2017
Bernie Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar
Program Co-Chair
2016
The 2017 Criminal Code Revision
The 2017 Criminal Code Revision
2016
DWI Law & Science Seminar
Program Moderator
2015
DWI Law & Science Seminar
Defending Against the Use of Prior Convictions for Sentencing Enhancement
2015
Defending Drug Cases in State Court, Part II
Issues in Choosing a Jury - Voir Dire; Cross Examination
2015
Defending Drug Cases in State Court, Part I
Motions to Suppress in State Court Drug Cases
2014
Missouri DWI - What You Need to Know to Protect Your Client
Challenging Prior Convictions in Criminal DWI Cases
2014
DWI Law and Science Seminar
Program Moderator
2012
DWI Law and Science Seminar
Challenging Prior Convictions in Criminal DWI Cases
2011
What You Need to Know - Kansas City Municipal Court
Kansas City Municipal Court
2010
Municipal Court Update - Defense Forum
Criminal Defense in Municipal Court
Publications
2015
DWI Law & Science
Challenging Prior Convictions in the Criminal Case
2012
DWI LAW AND SCIENCE
Challenging Prior Convictions in the Criminal Case
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I beat this DUI ? Or at least the 'aggravated' part of it?
19 Aug 2019
Q&A
Is a Kansas Diversion the same as a Missouri SIS?
09 Mar 2019
Q&A
What kind of time is my husband looking at for a class B felony dwi in Missouri?
31 May 2018