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 16 - 20 of 40 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Matt | November 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Legend

As a young father of two extremely young daughters when I got charged with delivery it was extremely stressful. Always a worry of what could happen, like being taken from the kids for a time, or not being able to work and provide for my family. Immediately upon hiring Joe and his office they alleviat...ed the anxiety and gave me confidence throughout the process. Although in the beginning I was worried and stopped by randomly with questions whilst they were working, Joe and Sarah always had a plan in order. Everything got answered and the results of my case were incredible. Joe genuinely gave me a chance to go out and do something with my life, and all while tactfully making the process of fighting in court timely and less stressful. I will never hire any lawyer but Joe and his office ever again!!! How much does your freedom mean to you? Because this office will fight tooth and nail to do everything they can to ensure you keep that freedom.

Posted by anonymous | April 25, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Stellar Results

I was overwhelmed by my situation when I consulted Joe. He clearly and honestly laid out what I was facing. He explained which of the statements made by law enforcement were actually true and which were not. He told me what steps I would need to take and the length of time I should expect it would ta...ke. I live 150 miles from the law office but after my consultation felt Joe was the best possible representative for me. My case was complicated and required considerable time and effort from Joe and staff. Sarah was incredible staying in touch by phone and email. Phone consultations allowed us to stay on top of things without requiring me to travel 2.5 hour to meet. Joe and Sarah provided my family with encouragement and advice throughout my cases. I am now in a better position than I could have imagined to move forward from.

Posted by Gant | April 03, 2020 | Hired Attorney

Amazing and caring

Joe and Sarah have been a God send! He is so much more than my attorney. He is compassionate and has done more than I could ever hope for. Email questions answered almost immediately. Performed far beyond anyone's expectation. Joe gave me peace of mind, provided my wife and family with comfort. There... are not enough words to say how hard Joe worked for me and my family. If you need someone to FIGHT for you, Joe is the man you want on your side. Joe made everything clear, affordable and most of all, truly showed he was concerned and interested in me as a person. Sarah answers questions same day. I couldn't think of one thing I needed that Joe did not provide. Thank you, Joe, for being a man with character, compassion and knowledge. Thank you for making me want to be better, and not burdening me with guilt. You are an amazing attorney, but more so, being a wonderful human being.

Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Very satisfied!

Joe was phenomenal! I hired him for 2 separate issues and was extremely nervous about what the outcome would be. Joe handled both cases better than I could have even imagined. I was worried I might end up with a felony but Joe helped me through a difficult time in my life, coached and encouraged me, ...and ended up getting me a misdemeanor on my situation. He was very attentive and informative during the entire process and I wouldn’t hesitate to use him again if the need arises. Absolutely 5 stars!

Posted by C. | December 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Review for Joe Passanise

Joe is a very kind hearted man. His compassion is apparent when he talks with you. He will reach out and ask questions very directly. He's a good verbal communicator. He also has a sense of humor and understands where you are coming from when you feel like a "criminal" for being human w/ everyday..., common failings. He knows the Law very specifically and uses every tool available within Missouri statutes. I was greatly relieved when full handling of my case was moved from a prior attorney to Joe. He made me feel assured everything would turn out for the best outcome possible. He gave me direct instructions on how to handle myself prior to my hearing. How to accumulate community service before sentencing; what recommended courses to attend; what resources to access for additional help outside the legal field. He seemed to understand it was a hard time for me emotionally and encouraged me to take the Up Road out of a time of family deaths, distresses and life emotional traumas. Which is exactly what I needed in addition to legal specific care. Confirming my need for mental health care was important to me. Now I can move forward in my life feeling much less burdened by "the system." It's a very confusing process when state and county and city entities must all be addressed simultaneously. My questions about juggling those were answered.

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