Joseph S. Passanise
Top rated Criminal Defense attorney in Springfield, Missouri
Wampler & Passanise
Practice areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI, White Collar Crimes; view more
Licensed in Missouri since: 1997
Education: Washburn University School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2006 - 2025 Call today:
417-512-9036
Wampler & Passanise
2974 E.Battlefield RoadSpringfield, MO 65804 Visit website
Details
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 and has been at the Firm for 35 years.
His peers have recognized Passanise as one of the Best Lawyers in America for 18 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 more than 15 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 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 19 years. (2006-Present). He is a Top 100 Trial Lawyer with 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), a Sustaining Member (2021-Present), and the Missouri State Delegate (2024-Present). Has published articles on a variety of topics during his career.
Passanise received Appointments from Governor Mike Parson to the Board of 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. Missouri State University recognized Passanise with its Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2024.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Criminal Defense: White CollarFocus areas
Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Expungement, Felony, Murder, Sex Offenses, White Collar Crime
- 50% Criminal Defense
- 30% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
- 20% Criminal Defense: White Collar
First Admitted: 1997, Missouri
Professional Webpage: https://entrapped.com/joseph-s-passanise/
Bar/Professional Activity:
- U.S. Supreme Court Licensed to Practice, 2025
- U.S. Court of Appeal 8th Circuit - Licensed to Practice, 2025
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri - Licensed to Practice, 2025
- U.S. District Court Western District of Missouri - Licensed to Practice, 2025
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100 - 2007 to Present, 2025
- State Delegate, National College of DUI Defense, 2025
- National Child Abuse Defense and Resource Center Member (2011-Present), 2025
- Best Lawyers in America - Recognized annually since 2007. , 2025
- American Association for Justice, 2007 - Present, Member, 2025
- Fellow, American Board of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2013
- President, Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL) - 2005-2006, 2006
- Order of the Barristers, Washburn University School of Law, 1997
Verdicts/Settlements (Case Results):
- United States v. Hoornstra MISSOURI MAN ACCUSED OF LEAVING A TERRORISTIC THREAT MESSAGE ON ARIZONA ELECTION OFFICIAL’S CELL PHONE—CASE DISMISSED WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Federal case against Missouri resident Walter Lee Hoornstra, who was indicted for leaving a terroristic threat message on an election official’s cell phone, has been dismissed by the United States District Court of the Western District of Missouri, Southern Division. Hoornstra faced up to seven years in federal prison and was represented by Springfield, Mo., criminal defense attorneys Joseph S. Passanise and Thomas D. Carver, of Wampler & Passanise. Hoornstra was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in 2022 on two counts of making an interstate threat and one count of making a threatening interstate telephone call. The government alleged that Hoornstra left a threatening voicemail on the personal cell phone of an election official in Maricopa County. United States Attorney Tanya Senanayake asked the court to Dismiss all charges against Hoornstra without prejudice on November 14, 2024, claiming issues with a necessary and critical witness made it unlikely for the government to obtain a conviction. “Mr. Hoornstra appreciates the government for this decision and knows it wasn’t easy to make,” said attorney Joseph S. Passanise. “He and his family have been humbled by this process and thank the attorney for dismissing the case, after two-plus years of litigation. He apologizes and is grateful for this result.” , 2025
- Missouri January 6th Defendant Pardons ATTORNEY STATEMENT: JANUARY SIXTH PARDONS AND COMMUTATIONS SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—On January 20, 2025, President Trump granted Pardons and Commutation of sentences for certain offenses related to the events at or near the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Six of those from this region impacted by this action are represented by Midwest criminal defense attorney Joseph Passanise, Managing Partner of Wampler & Passanise, who has been working with these clients for the past four years. Three of the former defendants, represented by Passanise, Stephen Quick, Michael Quick, and Zachary Martin, were sentenced in March 2022. Each will be granted full, complete, and unconditional pardons. The other three, represented by Passanise and Thomas Carver, Of-Counsel, Kyler Bard, Sandra Steen, and Edward Steen, will have their cases dismissed, with prejudice, by the United States Attorney General. “The now former defendants and those convicted in these cases are extremely appreciative of the action taken by President Trump to begin a process of national reconciliation,” said Passanise. “The past four years have been difficult for everyone involved, and all are pleased to see this chapter come to a close.” Passanise’s office is currently obtaining the official Certificates of Pardon and processing the necessary motions for the dismissal of those that have yet to be resolved. One client, Kyler Bard, had been sentenced recently and was due to report to prison in February. The other cases were in the final phases of litigation. The Pardons and Dismissals are effective immediately., 2025
- Missouri v. Thornton THORNTON FOUND NOT GUILTY OF SERIOUS FELONY CHARGES SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—On February 21, Greene County Presiding Judge Jerry Harmison acquitted Dan Thornton of two very serious felony sex crimes. The trial lasted for three days, over two months, to accommodate witness schedules, with more than eight witnesses testifying. Judge Harmison wrote a detailed Bench Trial Verdict where he proclaimed, “The State offered two theories that would allow a finding of not guilty. Either I must find the victim lied or was coached.” Harmison indicated, however, that there was a third manner, which is “A lack of corroboration of the victim’s comments made during a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) interview. Without corroboration, this court cannot be fully convinced of the defendant’s guilt given the competing evidence in this case.” The Judge went on to make additional comments in his Bench Trial Verdict, indicating the lead detective admitted she did not corroborate the CAC interview and did not follow the process outlined in the Child First Manual, spending less than ten hours investigating these serious charges. Thornton was represented by Joseph S. Passanise and Thomas Carver of Wampler & Passanise. A key focus of trial strategy was to demonstrate that Child First Protocols were not followed by the CAC or the lead detective in this case. “The assumption in these types of cases is that the child must be telling the truth, making the presumption of innocence extremely difficult,” Passanise said. “Mr. Thornton is extremely appreciative of the time and effort Judge Harmison applied to evaluate the evidence, exhibits, and testimony.” “Dan Thornton has been steadfast in proclaiming his innocence and believes in our criminal justice system. Having been found not guilty, the nightmare he has endured over the last several years has ended. He has lost everything, including his job, and his reputation within the community. Where does he go to get that back?” Passanise asked., 2025
- Missouri v. Hendrickson EX-WILLARD MAYOR COREY HENDRICKSON SENTENCED SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Corey Hendrickson was sentenced today in Federal Court to 36 months in prison. Hendrickson pled guilty in November to charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft surrounding the theft of $300,000 from fuel accounts while working at Prime Trucking Company. The accounts were for drivers at Prime, where he was a dispatcher. Hendrickson was facing years in federal prison. Hendrickson was appreciative of the U.S. Attorney’s Plea Agreement in his matter. After hearing arguments Federal Judge Brian C. Wimes assessed the 36-month sentence. Twelve months on one count and 24 on the other, to be served consecutively. Upon release from imprisonment, Hendrickson will be placed on Supervised Release for a total of two years on both counts. “Corey Hendrickson realized the significant harm that he caused many individuals,” Attorney Joseph S. Passanise said, “And expressed sincere regret for the pain and suffering caused and recognized the loss of trust his actions created.” Passanise said Hendrickson was prepared to serve his sentence and knew that money alone could not repair the damage caused. “Corey told the court he knows he must earn back the trust of others through his actions moving forward, not just his words,” Passanise said. Hendrickson was represented by Passanise, Managing Partner, and Thomas Carver, Of-Counsel., 2024
- Missouri v. Grozinger GROZINGER SENTENCED TO PROBATION FOR ASSAULTING A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Kyle Grozinger appeared in Greene County Circuit Court for sentencing Friday, May 31, after previously entering a guilty plea for assaulting a Law Enforcement Officer and Vehicle Tampering stemming from an incident in April 2019. Springfield Police Officers responded to a wellness check on Grozinger and approximately fifteen minutes later he sped off. Grozinger drove off while the Officer held on to his vehicle. The Officer was injured by being dragged. Simultaneously, the Officer’s partner opened fire into the vehicle, hitting Grozinger with two gunshot wounds as he continued to drive. He was apprehended and taken to the hospital. After approximately seven months in jail, he bonded to attend the Freeway Ministry Program. Grozinger attended an extensive drug treatment program and took measures to be accountable for his charges. Judge Todd Myers sentenced Grozinger to four years in the Department of Corrections but gave him Probation. He was placed on Supervised Probation for five years with restitution to be paid to the Police Officer injured, along with 500 hours of community service through Probation & Parole. Defense Attorney Joseph S. Passanise represented Grozinger. “This was an unfortunate and tragic incident that thankfully did not result in loss of life,” Passanise said. “Mr. Grozinger takes full responsibility for his actions, expresses remorse to those impacted, and plans to make the most of what he sees as a second chance to rectify a life impaired by substance abuse. Today he is clean and works in outreach to others suffering from addiction within a Christian ministry. We are grateful to the Prosecutor for Amending the charge and giving Mr. Grozinger a chance for Probation. More than forty character witnesses appeared in his support at the Sentencing Hearing, attesting to the change Mr. Grozinger has implemented in his life to ensure this never happens again.”, 2024
- Missouri v. Busick FELONY DWI WITH ACCIDENTAL DEATH DISMISSED: DEFENDANT ENTERS ALFORD PLEA OF GUILTY TO CARELESS AND IMPRUDENT DRIVING SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—David Busick appeared in Greene County Circuit Court and entered an Alford Plea to Careless and Imprudent Driving, a Class A Misdemeanor. Joseph S. Passanise represented Busick on his original indictment of a Class B Felony of Driving While Intoxicated, causing death, and Careless and Imprudent Driving. After a tremendous amount of discovery and plea negotiations, the Prosecutor dismissed the Felony Count, and the defendant entered an Alford Plea to Careless and Imprudent Driving. The plea agreement accepted by the Judge called for a $1,000 fine and no probation or conditions. “This was an unfortunate and tragic accident,” said Joseph Passanise. “Mr. Busick lives with the consequences of his actions. He is extremely remorseful and understands the second chance that he has been given. We are grateful to Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Zach McFarland for this opportunity to resolve this case and to Judge Todd Myers for his acceptance of the Plea Agreement. Numerous expert witnesses testified during the trial., 2024
- Missouri v. Beason ATTORNEY STATEMENT: BEASON ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY AND ASKS FOR FORGIVENESS SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Cheri Beason, 58, ended years-long criminal proceedings in Greene County Circuit Court today after previously pleading guilty and now being sentenced to three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the Second Degree, a Class E felony, for acting with criminal negligence while running her daycare operation. Joseph S. Passanise and Taylon Sumners-Schwartz represented Beason after a Grand Jury indicted her in July of 2018 on 33 felony counts related to Abuse or Neglect of a Child and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Under that Indictment, she faced life in prison if the counts were to run consecutively. Beason operated a daycare near Rogersville, Mo., for many years and was well known for her loving disposition. Beason’s trial was slated to begin on January 25. Following extensive plea negotiations, the Prosecutor filed an Amended Information dismissing all of the Abuse and Neglect counts, leaving only three felony counts, encompassing the children previously listed individually on the initial 33-count Indictment. As part of the plea agreement accepted by the Judge, Beason received probation with a six-year sentence back up in the Department of Corrections with 120 days of shock time. Beason accepted responsibility and pled guilty to actions with criminal negligence in a manner that created a substantial risk to the life, body, or health of a minor child less than seventeen years old by failing to provide adequate supervision. “This was an unfortunate and tragic event, and Beason accepts full responsibility and asks for forgiveness,” said attorney Joseph S. Passanise. “She has dedicated years of her life to children, is extremely remorseful, and realizes the gravity of her criminal negligence and the loss caused to the grieving family. We are extremely appreciative of the Prosecuting Attorney, Dan Patterson, for his grace and diligence with this plea agreement and the Judge's acceptance of the agreement.”, 2024
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Phi Delta Theta Educational Foundation – (Missouri Epsilon Chapter) President (1998-Present) Vice President (1997-1998), 2025
- Per-Course Faculty; Criminal Justice; Missouri State University; January 1998 to Present, 2025
- Parenting Life Skills Board (2008 – Present), 2025
- Lectures at High Schools and Colleges about Criminal Law and Constitutional Issues, 2025
- Phi Delta Theta- Province President (2001-Present), 2025
- Missouri Senate Redistricting Commission - Appointed by Governor Mike Parson, 2022
- Missouri Board of Tourism Commissioner; appointed by Governor Parson, 2020
Honors/Awards:
- Martindale-Hubble's highest rating of AV. , Martindale-Hubbell Highest AV Rating, https://www.martindale.com/search/attorneys-law-firms-articles/?term=Joseph%20S.%20Passanise, 2025
- Top 100 Trial Lawyer, National Trial Lawyers, 2007 - Present, Top 100 Trial Lawyer, National Trial Lawyers, https://thenationaltriallawyers.org/members/joseph-s-passanise/, 2025
- Super Lawyer, Missouri Super Lawyers Magazine; 2006-Present, Super Lawyers MO/KS 2006-Present, https://profiles.superlawyers.com/missouri/springfield/lawyer/joseph-s-passanise/06df8fc8-f390-4f63-856a-8955b9950753.html, 2025
- Best Lawyers in America, 2007 - Present, Best Lawyers in America; Best Lawyers, https://www.bestlawyers.com/lawyers/joseph-s-joe-passanise/38689, 2025
- Who's Who in American Law, 2005 - Present, Who's Who in American Law, https://www.entrapped.com/our_team/, 2025
- Recognized for successfully leading the firm to continued success and client satisfaction following the death of Partner, Dee Wampler. , Missouri Lawyers Firm Leadership Award, https://molawyersmedia.com/2023/02/08/missouri-lawyers-awards-2023-joseph-passanise/, 2023
- Best Lawyers Springfield Lawyer of the Year in Criminal Defense: White Collar, https://www.bestlawyers.com/lawyers/joseph-s-joe-passanise/38689, 2022
- Best Lawyers Springfield Lawyer of the Year in Criminal Defense: General Practice, https://www.bestlawyers.com/lawyers/joseph-s-joe-passanise/38689, 2021
- Charles A. Shaw Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy from the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, https://www.macdl.net/CharlesShawTrialAdvocacyAward.aspx, 2013
- President’s Award, Missouri Bar, 2009, President's Award, Missouri Bar Association, https://www.entrapped.com/our_team/, 2009
- President’s Award, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, 2008, President's Award, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, https://www.entrapped.com/our-team/joseph-s-passanise/, 2008
- Lon O. Hocker Trial Advocacy Award, Missouri Bar, 2002, Lon O. Hocker Trial Advocacy Award - Missouri Bar Association, https://mobarfoundation.org/Foundation/Lon_O_Hocker_Award.aspx, 2002
Educational Background:
- Missouri State University, M.A. in Communication, 1993
- Missouri State University, Degree in Political Science and Communication, with honors, 1991
- University of London, Imperial College, M.B.A., Rotary Scholar, 1995
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Author, Witness Preparation and Examination for DUI Proceedings, Aspatore, 2013 and 2014, Author, Witness Preparation and Examination for DUI Proceedings, Legal, 2014
- As lawyers, we are ethically bound to act as advisors and advocates for our clients. We give them an informed understanding of their legal rights and obligations. When we advocate, we zealously assert the client’s position under the rules of the adversary system. Successful client management requires a commitment to communication, transparency and diligence within your firm and with the client. It doesn’t happen without deliberate planning and forethought. Every firm needs established policies and protocols that outline expectations from all parties for successful representation., Author, Where's My Apology Letter? Managing Client Expectations, Best Lawyers, Legal, 2023
Other Outstanding Achievements:
- Missouri Bar Presenter: Missouri's Expungement Law and the Conflict with the Second Amendment, 2024
Office location for Joseph S. Passanise
2974 E.Battlefield Road
Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: 417-512-9036
Selections
20 Years Super Lawyers
- Super Lawyers: 2006 - 2025
