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 10 reviews | Trustworthiness

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.

Posted by Dustin | December 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best Lawyer money can buy

Searching fora DWI layer isn’t pretty and it isn’t fun. Most will find it scary, having seen Denise’s reviews and her achievements I put faith and trust into her and reached out. Not once did I question my decision after getting in contact. Denise thoroughly laid the steps she would take and how the ...process should play out. Denise asked the necessary questions and responded in detail every day along the way. My case was not pretty nor was it a easy win (although she made it seem that way). I was pretty much caught red handed and took the wrong steps during my arrest. Denise won my refusal hearing and all charges including my DWI, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and careless driving were all dismissed. I mean it with all my being I owe her more than money. She saved my future literally and I could not have asked for better representation. A+++ . I will recommend her to family and friends if need be and I recommend if your reading this to trust your gut and Go with Denise.

Posted by J | March 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Absolutely Astonishing Performance!!

Wow! Where to begin..... I made some bad decisions that could have potentially have huge impacts on my life and career. I was on on 4th alcohol driving incident, with the last one causing damage to other people's property. I needed a lawyer who would mitigate the consequences so I could get back to l...eading a normal life. Denise was that lawyer.... From the initial consultation I felt that she truly did know what she was doing. She was upfront, honest and reassured me that she would do everything in her power to ensure that this did not completely ruin my life. The entire case drew out an entire year with Denise not backing down and using her professional acumen to ensure that I got the results that I felt comfortable with. End of that day, I got an SIS (record will be cleared of anything after probation). This is an amazing result considering my record and the accident that damaged another person property. Do not hesitate to hire her, she is skilled, caring, upfront, honest and she is the best at what she does.

Posted by Epiphany | January 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Won my license hearing and DWI court case!!

Denise was hands down the best lawyer I could have chosen, and I would recommend her to anyone!! I blew a .19 at the time of my arrest and she still not only won my license hearing and it was never taken, but got my DWI completely dismissed when before hiring her I assumed I would be getting maximum ...penalties, and not being able to drive. She was always very prompt and informative when I had questions about my case, and always contacted me in very good time to let me know updates, when and where I needed to be, as well as letting me know if there was anything I ever needed to be doing. I would trust her with any defense needs and i'm so thankful for her help, and to be able to walk away with only paying a few fines. If you want someone that you can really trust in your corner after a bad mistake do not hesitate to hire her!!

Posted by anonymous | December 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Kirby is simply the best Criminal Defense Attorney out there

In my situation, I hit a car and blew a .291, She won my license hearing and won a motion to suppress and got my case completely dismissed. Very attentive and always responds quickly. Truly cares about the cases she takes and is always up front. Highly, highly recommend!!! Thank you Denise!

See All Client Reviews

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

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution