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

Showing 51 - 55 of 65 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by ken | March 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

kenneth

im gonna leave out some of the details of my case otherwise this review would go on forever and just tell you what you need to know if your facing anything to do with our legal system. you always think the legal system is out for truth,if you have nothing to hide why wouldnt you talk to the police an...d innocent people rarely end up in prison i know these are things i thought when i was accused of a class a felony assualt and facing a life sentence over a crime that i did not commit,boy was i wrong as i was sitting in jail hearing how my side of things (the truth) would never truly be heard i would probably have to take a plea and be in prison for decades and that would be best case my family had no real money to do anything to save me i figured id better get used to this life. Then i called home to talk to my mom completely hopeless and demoralized. She informed me that mr. passanise who i will call joe from here not out of any lack of respect but because he is not just a friend or honorary family member but the man who literally saved my life had agreed to take my case i knew nothing of lawyer as i had never been in trouble or needed one so in jail it was a small comfort but it was a glimmer of my life not being over i met with his partner soon after who told me first goal was to get me out of jail i liked the sound of that and was all for it a few days later i met joe and walked out of the christian county jail met with them kinda just felt each other out told him my story and game planned a little over the next couple years we met dealt with the state canceling court dates and pushing things further back i see in hindsight its because they knew who they were dealing with.I did not know how to fight this battle in my head i was innocent i just wanted a chance to tell my story joe taught me its proving my story that mattered by the time we got to trial and im skipping over many meetings with my family, court dates and countless stall tactics by the state,and joe becoming a close friend who i had no doubt was invested in me the state had chance to put on there case and i watched joe one by one destroy everything they had a master at his craft if you are considering hiring him im telling you go sit in on him doing what he does there is no one better i have no doubt you see it youll hire him. i dont have the words to express what this man did for me my little girl turns ten tommorow and the only reason her dad will be there with her is because of joe passanise he gave me my life back fought for me in a way i didnt know possible was a friend who both comforted me and told me harsh realities if you hire him i dont know that youd become best friends or him become your personal savior but i can tell you your hiring the best of the best when he fights he does it to win. i would say if your in a similar situation or a family member is the best chance you could have is hiring this man to fight for you i feel like there is so much more to say but really it does all tie back to he saved my life and he is simply the best i thank him in my prayers everyday for what he has done for me if your facing losing your freedom he is a very bright light in a very dark night

Posted by Chris | October 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Incredibly Professional

I hired Joe for a DWI. He worked incredibly hard to get excellent results in the end. Well worth the time and money. He always communicated with me anything I needed to know or needed to do. I will be recommending him to anyone else I know that may need his services.

Posted by Brenda | July 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent Lawyer. Very knowledgable.

Our family cannot say enough nice things about Joe. Beginning from the moment he began to handle multiple criminal cases for a family member until they were resolved. It is very apparent that Joe is well respected within the Judicial system. He and his staff went above and beyond to make sure that ...we were informed of everything happening in the cases. If you want positive results, I would recommend Joe Passanise for any kind of criminal case.

Posted by Melody | April 06, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Passionate Passanise

At the first meeting with Mr Passanise we were feeling hopeless after having been to criminal court in a county that seemed to make their own rules/laws. As well as having false charges in two other counties from an incident that should have been a family matter. Joe listened and then gave us his pla...n for the next steps. He was realistic and knew it would be an up hill battle and it was not going to be easy case. It became clear after that first meeting that Mr. Passanise's legal strategy would require a team approach. Each step of that strategy was well thought out and implemented. When there were questions Joe's team was there to answer or Joe was available via email. Prior to attendance at court dates a meeting was held with Mr. Passanise so everyone was clear on what to expect. Mr Passanise, as well as his staff, are passionate, caring and available. Everyone worked very hard and diligently for the great outcome of all three cases. Two of the cases were dropped and probation was reinstated. We are now able to move on and heal and rebuild our lives. Joe Passanise is a passionate advocate for his clients!

Posted by Robert | February 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Well Exceeded My Expectations!

Joe's team went above and beyond my expectations. They are very professional, detailed, and compassionate. They kept the DWI off my record (SIS), kept my community service hours low as well as not requiring that I have an ignition interlock. The staff is super friendly, helpful, and are always there ...(by email) to answer any questions-even on the weekends. I Couldn't have chosen a better firm to handle my case.

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