Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
PRO
Joseph S. Passanise
also known as Joe Passanise, Joseph Passanise
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Joseph
Biography
Joseph S. Passanise graduated with honors from Missouri State University with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Communication (1991) and a Master of Arts in Communication (1993). He continued his education as a Rotary Scholar, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of London, Imperial College (1995). He received a Juris Doctor degree, with Honors, from Washburn University School of Law (1997).
Passanise is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and both the Western and Eastern District Federal Courts in Missouri. He has been fortunate to practice in many Federal and State Jurisdictions in the United States. As the Managing Partner of Wampler & Passanise, he practices criminal defense in Federal, State, and Municipal Courts. For over 25 years, he practiced law with Partner the late Dee Wampler and has been at the Firm for close to 35 years.
His peers have recognized Passanise as one of the Best Lawyers in America for 17 years (2007-Present) in the practice areas of criminal defense, white-collar crimes, and DUI defense and as Springfield Lawyer of the Year for Criminal Defense: General Practice (2021). He was Springfield Lawyer of the Year for Criminal Defense: White Collar (2022). Wampler & Passanise has been recognized as a Best Firm by Best Lawyers for over 14 years (2010-Present).
In 2013, Passanise was selected as a fellow by the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. (ABCL) The ABCL selects attorneys who practice criminal law after a rigorous vetting process. Only five attorneys have been selected in Missouri. Martindale-Hubbell has awarded Passanise the highest rating of “AV.” MACDL recognized him for Excellence in Trial Advocacy and awarded Passanise the prestigious Charles M. Shaw Award for excellence in trial advocacy (2013.)
The Missouri Bar selected Passanise as a President’s Award Recipient for his leadership during the nonpartisan judicial campaign in Greene County. He received the Missouri Bar’s Lon O. Hocker Trial Advocacy Award in 2002. The Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association honored Passanise with the 2008 President’s Award for extraordinary service. In 2023, Missouri Lawyers recognized him as a Firm Leader. Passanise has been selected as a Super Lawyer by Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine for 18 years. (2006-Present). He is a Top 100 Trial Lawyerwith National Trial Lawyers (2007-Present).
Passanise is a Past President of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2005-2006) and a frequent speaker at Missouri Bar and MACDL conferences. He has been chosen as a member by the National College of DUI Defense (2004-Present) and Sustaining Member (2021). He has written articles on various topics over the years.
Passanise received Governor Appointments from Governor Mike Parson to Tourism (2020) and the Senate Redistricting Commission (2021.) The Springfield Business Journal selected him as one of the publication’s 12 to Know in 2022 and recognized him as a Trusted Advisor in 2022. He was in the publication’s 2005 Class of 40 Under 40.
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
Criminal Defense
25%
30 years | 5,000 cases
Sex Crime
25%
30 years | 600 cases
Expungement
10%
30 years | 200 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
9
Licenses
Licensed in Missouri for 28 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Joseph online.
Joseph S. Passanise's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
461 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (461)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (184)
Lawsuits & Disputes (99)
DUI & DWI (66)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (25)
Drug Crime (9)
Expungement (6)
Litigation (6)
Federal Crime (3)
Juvenile (3)
Administrative Law (2)
Arbitration (1)
Bankruptcy & Debt (1)
Business (1)
Car Accidents (1)
Child Custody (1)
Divorce & Separation (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Family (1)
Libel & Slander (1)
Military Law (1)
Sex Crime (1)
Violent Crime (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (305)
Advocacy (226)
Recommendation (155)
Professionalism (103)
Communication Style (83)
Practice Area Knowledge (65)
Responsiveness (60)
Staff & Support (59)
General Knowledge (49)
Character & Conduct (48)
Trustworthiness (45)
Compassion (40)
Cost of Services (34)
Punctuality (6)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 396 - 400 of 461 reviews
Posted by Megan | December 28, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Above & Beyond EVERY Time!
Joe has represented my boyfriend in SEVERAL different matters-starting with speeding tickets to severe drug charges. My bf got in trouble in several different states and Joe was ALWAYS there! My boyfriend should have been sent to prison several years ago but he always walks free with a little communi...
Posted by Kenneth | December 22, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This is who you want to represent you!
Mr. Passanise was excellent; his communication was great and he thoroughly looked through the case and quickly and swiftly took care of the matter. There are many other lawyers to choose from in the Springfield area, but Passanise is the best lawyer. I have used him for over 5 years and I will contin...
Posted by anonymous | December 21, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Very hardworking Attorney, Would definitely hire again
Mr. Passanise worked very hard on my case and made sure I was well informed throughout my case. He was very on top of everything and during court he was well collected and was very sharp and vigilant through the entire process. He made sure he answered every question I had throughout the case process...
Posted by Brian | December 16, 2015 | Hired Attorney
The best defense attorney
Joe is an A plus attorney that takes pride in what he does. Cares about his clients. He's winner.
Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2015 | Hired Attorney
DWI
Joe and his office team were efficient, friendly, and effective. I could not ask for better representation and results.
Joseph S. Passanise's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is one of the smartest and hardest working attorneys in the business."
"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal 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."
"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."
Scott Pierson
Criminal defense lawyer
Adam Woody
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
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-MissouriLicensed
2004 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseGeneral Member
2004 - Present
American Judicature Society
2004 - Present
Supreme Court Historical Society
2003 - Present
Springfield Metropolitan Bar AssociationHistorical Committee
2002 - Present
United States Supreme CourtLicensed
2002 - Present
Eighth Circuit Court of AppealsLicensed
1997 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLifetime Member
1997 - Present
Phi Delta Phi
1997 - Present
Federal Court, Western District-MissouriLicensed
Missouri Bar
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Lifetime Member
2005 - 2006
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersFormer President
2003 - 2006
Springfield Metropolitan Bar AssociationFormer Board of Directors
1999 - 2000
Springfield Metropolitan Bar AssociationHistorical Committee
1999 - 2002
Springfield Metropolitan Bar AssociationCriminal 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