Joseph S. Passanise

PRO

Joseph S. Passanise

also known as Joe Passanise, Joseph Passanise

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 28 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Springfield, MO
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Sex Crime ... +2 more

2974 E Battlefield, Springfield, MO

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Joseph

Biography

Over 75 years of combined Criminal Defense Expertise. Put to Work for You.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 30%

30 years | 3,000 cases

30%
Criminal Defense 25%

30 years | 5,000 cases

25%
Sex Crime 25%

30 years | 600 cases

25%
Expungement 10%

30 years | 200 cases

10%
Federal Crime 10%

30 years | 250 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 9
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Missouri for 28 years

State: Missouri

Acquired: 1997

Good Standing, Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Joseph S. Passanise

2974 E Battlefield, Springfield, MO, 65804

entrapped.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Joseph online.

Joseph S. Passanise's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

461 Client Reviews

5 star (453) 4 star (8)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Audrey | December 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

-

I am beyond grateful for everything Joe and Sarah accomplished for me! I came in overwhelmed, stressed, and unsure of what to do next and how my future would look. The very first conversation I had with Joe I felt heard and not judged. They treated me like a human being instead of just another case. ...During one of the most difficult and emotional times in my life, they were patient, compassionate, and incredibly supportive. They took the time to explain everything in a way that made sense. Knowing I had someone truly fighting for me gave me peace of mind when I needed it most. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care made all the difference. I will forever be thankful for their help and would recommend them without hesitation to anyone who needs a lawyer they can truly trust and come out on top!!

Posted by anonymous | November 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

My DWI Case

I was more than happy with the outcome of my case. Joe took unbelievably good care of me and I would absolutely recommend him to anyone who is needing to be represented. Nothing that was asked of me was unreasonable and with the help of Joe and his team, I was able to turn my life around completely a...nd become the person that I was meant to be. I would not have been able to get through my case as well as I did without the help of Joe. I know exactly who to come to if anyone I know finds themselves caught up in my situation.

Posted by anonymous | November 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional and courteous

Extremely professional and knowledgeable. Made sure i understood their processes and strategies for my case. Made communication very easy.

Posted by Sara | July 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Feeling completely Blessed, having had, you as my lawyer!!

Hands down the Best defense lawyer!! He makes miracles happen! I couldn't have asked for a better lawyer, with what I had going on! Thank you, Thank you for everything you've done for me!! I would recommend you to everyone!

Posted by Jim | June 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Quality legal advice and professional action!

Mr. Passanise, and his paralegal assistant, Sarah Shewmaker were the best legal scholars we have ever dealt with in the legal profession. They were very clear in establishing a plan, communicated with us at the highest level, kept us informed on each step, and their hard work resulted in a very posi...tive outcome of our case. We recommend them highly to anyone who is in need of high-quality, professional legal guidance. We thanked them so much for their interest in our case, and we so enjoyed getting to know them during the time of our need. Thank you again. You are the best!

See All Client Reviews

Joseph S. Passanise's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joseph
Taylon McCafferty Sumners headshot
Taylon Sumners

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"I've worked with Joe for seven years as of 2022. No one will work harder or go to bat for you more than Joe. He's not afraid to ask the hard questions or ask for what may seem like an outrageous resolution at the time. Overall, there is no one more qualified than Joe to handle any type of criminal defense matter in this area, and maybe even the state. His deposition and negotiation skills are second to none."

Branden Scott Twibell headshot
Branden Twibell

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is one of the smartest and hardest working attorneys in the business."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Scott Bradford Pierson headshot
Scott Pierson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nobody works harder for their clients than the attorneys at The Law Offices Of Dee Wampler and Joseph Passanise. Mr. Passanise has written the book on DWI law. Worth every dime."

Adam Charles Maxwell headshot
Adam Maxwell

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"The Wampler and Passanise team are the most competent and well-respected criminal defense attorneys in the southwest Missouri area. I respect and endorse this firm for all criminal defense matters."

View All Endorsements
Scott Bradford Pierson headshot
Scott Pierson

Criminal defense lawyer

Adam Darrell Woody headshot
Adam Woody

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

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2013

Super Lawyer, Missouri Super Lawyers

2013

American Trial Lawyers Association, American Trial Lawyers Association

2012

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law

2012

American Trial Lawyers Association, American Trial Lawyers Association

2012

Super Lawyer, Missouri Super Lawyers

2012

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2011

American Trial Lawyers Association, American Trial Lawyers Association

2011

Super Lawyer, Missouri Super Lawyers

2011

Top 100 Super Lawyers in Missouri, Missouri Super Lawyers

2011

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2010

American Trial Lawyers Association, American Trial Lawyers Association

2010

Super Lawyer, Missouri Super Lawyers

2010

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2009

President’s Award, Missouri Bar

2009

Super Lawyer, Missouri Super Lawyers

2009

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2009

Finalist for Lawyer of the Year, Missouri Lawyers Weekly

2009

American Trial Lawyers Association, American Trial Lawyers Association

2008

President's Award, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association

2008

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law

2008

Super Lawyer, Missouri Super Lawyers

2008

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2008

American Trial Lawyers Association, American Trial Lawyers Association

2007

Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America

2007

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law

2007

Super Lawyer, Missouri Super Lawyers

2007

American Trial Lawyers Association, American Trial Lawyers Association

2006

Super Lawyer, Missouri Super Lawyers

2006

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law

2005

40 Under 40, Springfield Business Journal

2005

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law

2003

One of Top Five Up and Coming Lawyers, Missouri Lawyers Weekly

2002

Outstanding Alumni Award, Phi Delta Theta - Missouri Epsilon

2002

Lon O. Hocker Trial Advocacy Award, Missouri Bar

2001

National Registry of Who's Who, National Registry of Who's Who

2000

Outstanding Alumni Award, Phi Delta Theta - Missouri Epsilon

1999

Class XIV, Leadership Springfield

1999

Outstanding Alumni Award, Phi Delta Theta - Missouri Epsilon

1998

Outstanding Young Men of America, Outstanding Young Men of America

1998

"Up and Comers to Watch in '99", Springfield Magazine

1998

Class XIV, Leadership Springfield

Work Experience

1997 - Present

Managing Partner, Law Offices of Dee Wamper & Joseph S Passanise

Associations

2011 - Present

National Child Abuse Defense & Resource Center

2009 - Present

Federal Court, Eastern District-Missouri

Licensed

2004 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

General Member

2004 - Present

American Judicature Society

2004 - Present

Supreme Court Historical Society

2003 - Present

Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association

Historical Committee

2002 - Present

United States Supreme Court

Licensed

2002 - Present

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

Licensed

1997 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Lifetime Member

1997 - Present

Phi Delta Phi

1997 - Present

Federal Court, Western District-Missouri

Licensed

Missouri Bar

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Lifetime Member

2005 - 2006

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Former President

2003 - 2006

Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association

Former Board of Directors

1999 - 2000

Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association

Historical Committee

1999 - 2002

Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association

Criminal Law Committee, Chairman

Education

1997

Washburn University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

Imperial College London

MBA - Master of Business Administration

1993

Missouri State University

Master of Arts

1991

Missouri State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Languages

English

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