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 11 - 15 of 65 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | August 10, 2023 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Wonderful attorney

I am grateful for Joe for picking up the phone when I was at a very low time and needed help with a case. He can handle anything from a simple traffic ticket to a DUI. I highly recommend him!

Posted by anonymous | August 01, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Joe is the Best

We hired Joe to help us with a federal criminal defense. Joe did everything he said that he would. If I need another lawyer I would not hesitate to rehire Joe in a hearbeat.

Posted by Laura | April 05, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

5 stars and my review went to google as well

5 stars and this I waited until resolution to rate my law firm because I wanted to be fair.  I had dismissed earlier counsel, a major risk for me, to hire W&P.  So many times in life we regret choices like these, but not this one.  It was THE BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE.     I want to be honest s...o you know what to expect.  The firm is not going to coddle you   If you don't ask, don't expect them to explain.  Annnnd, if you want them to explain, don't pull a Laura and panic or employ your own lawyerly presumptions to the mix… Ask and set a time frame in which you would like an answer.  This team is exemplary at what they do.  They got a better outcome than even earlier counsel claimed was possible.  Let me be clear, I am a prior felon who faced charges larger than anything I’d ever dreamed yet today I am home with my family enjoying my life.  I highly recommend them.  THIS IS YOUR WHOLE LIFE.  Who’s representing it for you? I will tell anyone that will listen that you are the right choice for defense counsel. Specifically about Joe: Joe's gonna "help you," like a dad. Sometimes he cones off suoer sweet, and sometimes kind of harsh. His patience can wear thin, but in the end- BE PATIENT WITH HIM... He really knows what he's doing and has your best interest at heart. If you're like me sometimes that's hard to take. This law firm is worth it, the results phenomenal! I appreciate you guys!!!! Laura

Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Joe has my vote for the Best Attorney in Southwest Missouri.

I was facing some extremely serious charges and had hired a local attorney to try and disseminate the case. Needless to say , I should have contacted Joe Passanise first. My choice was to accept a horrendous plea barging and go to prison for a minimum of 2 years (max of 15) or hire Joe. From the ...minute I met him he began dissecting the State's case, noticing several key issues that ended up being the evidence Joe and his team would use to completely dismantle the States case. His depositions were as beautiful as watching a seasoned chess master completely obliterating his mediocre opponent. In the end, Joe was able to get my case completely dismissed. And to think I could have rotted away in prison because I almost chose representation based on cost and not professionalism, value and most important an already stellar track record. I know this review is long and filled with accolades for Mr. Passanise and his staff, but they have literally saved my life from ending up another washed out statistic of our seemingly unjust Justice System. The State was completely prepared to bend the ethical guidelines they purport to serve to convict me. Thank God Joe saw these issues and used his years of experience, his talented staff, and (I know) more hours than he billed me to stop the State in there tracks. Thank you Joe Passanise and staff for being the best in the Southwest Missouri.

Posted by anonymous | March 08, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

When your world falls down around you, Joe is the person you want on your side!

When your accused of something you didn't do, the media, your friends, your job and even your family may not be there for you. You need the best lawyer you can get to be on your side! Joe will be there for the entire journey, it last longer than one thinks. From telling you what is going on, to ...what the options are, he listens and knows what to do. He has the experience to know what to do, who to talk to, and how to handle your case with care and professionalism. You cannot find a better lawyer in Springfield if your accused of a crime! If anyone asks me for a recommendation for a criminal attorney to represent them, he will be my first and only one!

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