December 25, 2023
In 2008, Greene County voters adopted the Nonpartisan Court Plan to choose their local judges. Fifteen years later, the transformation of the Greene County Circuit Court is complete. Since last year, the final group of judges who had once been elected under partisan labels — Calvin Holden, Thomas Mountjoy, Jason Brown, David Jones, Mark Powell...
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August 29, 2023
What Does it Mean for You? Missouri has a new law prohibiting drivers from manually typing, scrolling, or holding their cell phones while driving. The law was enacted on August 28, 2023, and applies to all drivers, regardless of age. This includes holding or supporting a phone with any part of the body, sending or...
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July 19, 2023
A misdemeanor or felony on your public criminal record can make life difficult, especially when finding a job. Nations under common law offer expungement, a chance to get non-serious and first-time offenses completely sealed or removed from public record. As of August 28, 2021, thanks to §610.140 RSMo in the Missouri state legislature, more than...
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July 19, 2023
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Sandy Ellis, legal secretary and receptionist for Wampler & Passanise, has received a 2023 Unsung Hero Award from Missouri Lawyers Media, recognizing her commitment to excellence and behind-the-scenes leadership. Ellis was one of only eight legal secretaries in the state to receive the prestigious honor from one of Missouri’s top legal media groups. “This...
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July 11, 2023
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Wampler & Passanise has been voted the region’s top criminal defense firm in 2023 by the Best of SWMO. Presented by NWA Media in partnership with Explore Branson, more than 89,000 Missouri residents voted for organizations from 16 southwest Missouri counties in this year’s contest. Wampler Passanise was recognized in the professional services category. ...
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April 26, 2023
Missourians voted to legalize recreational marijuana on November 8, 2022. What does this mean for businesses and residents of the Cave State? Missouri joins 19 states that have already legalized recreational marijuana. Map Courtesy: National Conference of State Legislature (NCSL) Legalization creates a free market, allowing businesses interested in selling adult non-medical use cannabis products to obtain...
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April 5, 2023
You’ve likely seen polygraph tests used in movies and on television shows, but how are these tests used in reality? In this blog, we’ll define polygraph tests, discuss their accuracy and use, explain why they’re not admissible in court, and help you understand your rights when it comes to taking these tests. What Is a...
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April 2, 2023
Missouri is serious about underage drunk driving. Many people under 21 experiment with alcohol. That could be the beginning of problems. There could be serious consequences if they decide to drink and get behind the wheel of a car. That could lead to criminal charges if they get pulled over. The state is working to...
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April 1, 2023
Let’s face it—the word “taxes” alone can be a major stress inducer for most people. A main reason for this is the underlying fear of making a mistake that could lead to an IRS audit, potentially resulting in hefty fines, penalties, or even a jail sentence. In the past three years, there have been more...
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March 31, 2023
Lee Tolleson was one of the 22 sellers of military equipment arrested in early 2010 at a Las Vegas trade show as part of an undercover FBI sting operation. Represented by Joseph S. Passanise, Tolleson saw his charges dropped by federal prosecutors during his trial in Washington, D.C., in 2012. Tolleson and three other men...
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