SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Springfield criminal defense attorney James R. Hayes has joined Wampler &Passanise as an Attorney at Law. Hayes brings nearly two decades of criminal defense experience to the firm, having built a reputation for his acumen representing clients charged with the most serious criminal offenses, from wrongful convictions to life-altering charges ranging from homicide, robbery, and kidnapping to drug trafficking, sex crimes, assault, and juvenile matters in Federal and State Courts.
James is licensed in Missouri and before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. He has litigated appeals before the Missouri Court of Appeals, the MIssouri Supreme Court, and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. He has served as a Special Public Defender in high-stakes cases, including complex murder trials, where his work on suppression motions and Constitutional defense has been instrumental in protecting the rights of the accused.
“James’s attention to detail and reputation among judges and lawyers is exemplary,” Passanise said. “We are blessed to have him on our team as he will make a difference every day in our clients’ lives. His years of trial experience and strong work ethic are a perfect fit for our firm, and we are honored to have him with us.”
Hayes earned his undergraduate degree from Evangel University (2001) and his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Law (2008). During law school, he distinguished himself as a leader and advocate, serving as President of the Student Bar Association and contributing to the school’s renowned advocacy programs, including the National Mock Trial Team and the Moot Court Executive Board.
Hayes was selected to serve as a Criminal Justice Act Attorney, a selective process that identifies attorneys qualified to accept Federal appointments in criminal cases. On that panel, he was chosen to serve as a Mentor Attorney, guiding less experienced and potential panel members.
Deeply rooted in the Ozarks, James is an active member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association (SMBA) and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL). He also serves as an adult scout leader in Scouting America Troop 235 and a Cubmaster and Den Leader for Pack 221. James was chosen by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools (SPS) to serve as an Ambassador in the program’s second class, educating on District programs and services. He has also trained volunteer advocates for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a national organization of trained volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system.
About Wampler & Passanise
Wampler & Passanise is one of the MIdwest’s leading criminal defense firms. It is led by Managing Partner Joseph S. Passanise and Attorneys Thomas Carver and James Hayes.
