Denise Kirby

PRO

Denise Kirby

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Kansas City, MO
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI

Two Pershing Square Building, 2300 Main St., Ste. 900, Kansas City, MO

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Denise

Biography

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%

Teaches DWI defense. Has passed the NHTSA training in DWI Detection and the Administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.

32 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 20 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Kansas for 12 years

State: Kansas

Acquired: 2013

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Missouri for 31 years

State: Missouri

Acquired: 1994

Good Standing, Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Denise Kirby

Two Pershing Square Building, 2300 Main St., Ste. 900, Kansas City, MO, 64108

denisekirbylaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Denise online.

Denise Kirby's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

87 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (87) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 43 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by anonymous | March 09, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Conviction Removed

Denise is the absolute best. Spoke with 5 different attorneys in the KC metro, all of whom told me I was SOL. Met with Denise she had the conviction removed from my record within 2 weeks! If i were to recommend any attorney in the KC Metro it would be her!

Posted by Steve Z | November 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

So glad I hired Denise Kirby to represent me!

First, I want to say that I am so glad I hired Denise Kirby to represent me for my DWI case. When my situation occurred, I was visiting Missouri during a vacation and initially was very nervous because I live in a different state and did not know any lawyers in the area. After doing some research and... speaking with her, I decided to hire her. I’m not proud to say this, but after being tested, I was twice the legal limit for alcohol. Denise was able to get my charges amended to careless driving with a fine and NO probation. What’s even better, is that she won my license hearing so I never even lost my driver’s license. Needless to say, I learned my lesson, and feel that I made the right decision when going with her.

Posted by anonymous | October 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Trust Me, She's Worth It

I was charged with a DWI in Jackson County and hired Denise to take my case after interviewing multiple attorneys. I had heard she was the best and I was willing to pay the premium for her services over others after hearing her detail her goals with my case, which were in line with my own. I was i...mpatient at first, not hearing anything for the first few months. I was nervous and wanted to be involved in the process so that I could know what was happening. Denise assured me that she takes great care with and extensively reviews each and every one of her cases--that is why it takes time. This could not be more true. Fast forward a year and a half, and Denise won my civil license hearing for refusal of testing. She was then able to swiftly get my criminal case dismissed and traffic violation changed to a non-moving violation. I could not have asked for a better outcome! Denise is THE EXPERT in this area and it is why her services are in such high demand. If you truly want the best outcome for your DWI case and its impact on your future, you need to hire Denise. Her skills are worth every last cent.

Posted by Danny | September 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney

The Lawyer you need!

Denise was really great to work with. She was responsive and helped me get a decision in my favor. I would highly recommend Denise a Lawyer. I promise you will not regret choosing her. You will get the attention to detail that you would want, and Denise is straight with you.

Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Denise is the way to go if you live in KC, MO.

On St Patrick's Day, I got into a car accident with no injuries. The officer who arrived on the scene said I had the smell of alcohol on my breath and had me do a field sobriety test. I failed the Field Sobriety Test, and I refused to blow. I was arrested and booked for DWI + Reckless Driving, caus...ing an accident, and I had 2 weeks to appeal my license revocation. I was in shambles and anxious about my future as a healthcare professional. I called different lawyers. Some were cheap, but they just wanted me to take a plea deal. Some big firms were willing to fight the case, but they were super expensive, and I didn't want to go broke over this incident. Enter Denise Kirby. When we discussed my case, she made no guarantees, but by the end of the conversation, I was convinced that she'd be the one to represent me. She impressed me with her resume; she is well-known in KC for her expertise in DWI defense. Her price is a flat fee and is more than fair for her expertise and qualifications. Her payment system is easygoing. I made an upfront deposit and finished making payments after six months with no interest. You'd think the case would be settled by the end of the six-month payments, but it wasn't. Denise warned me that the court systems in KC, Missouri, are slow, and they sure were. A full year later, when the case came closer to a hearing, Denise called me to review all the evidence and asked me what I wanted to do. My biggest thing was getting the DUI off my record without going to trial. She spoke to the prosecutor and called me about a few weeks later. She was able to get a plea deal to amend my DUI and Reckless driving to a C&I driving violation, which is essentially a $500 fine and not a criminal offense ( not a misdemeanor or felony). I only had to go to court in front of the judge to agree to accept guilt for the traffic violation and then pay the fine at the court. She also won my license revocation, I just had to do SATOP classes, and my driver's license was not suspended. Do yourself a favor if you live in the KC area and face DUI/DWI charges Denise Kirby is the way to go.

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Denise Kirby's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Denise
Christine Marie Hanisco headshot
Christine Hanisco

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Ben Faber headshot
Ben Faber

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Denise's reputation is unmatched. She is an excellent trial attorney who strives for great results for all of her clients."

John Francis Newsham headshot
John Newsham

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Denise has done groundbreaking work in defending clients in felony DWI charges."

George D. Johnson headshot
George Johnson

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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"

Gina Louise Simone headshot
Gina Simone

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Carl Matthew Ward headshot
Carl Ward

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is one of the best criminal defense lawyers on the western side of Missouri."

View All Endorsements
Ben Faber headshot
Ben Faber

DUI and DWI lawyer

Gina Louise Simone headshot
Gina Simone

Criminal defense lawyer

Carl Matthew Ward headshot
Carl Ward

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Institute

President

2018 - Present

DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2017 - Present

National College for DUI Defense, Inc.

Member

2015 - Present

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

DWI Committee

2006 - Present

Missouri Society for Criminal Justice

President

2015 - 2020

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board of Directors

1994 - 2013

Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Department of Revenue License Hearings

Won

See More Legal Cases

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

Avvo Rating

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