Tax Evasion vs. Tax Avoidance: What Are the Legal Risks?
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…
Read More >
The Ordeal of Lee Tolleson
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…
Read More >
Joseph S. Passanise Recognized for Law Firm Leadership by Missouri Lawyers Awards 2023
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Springfield criminal defense attorney Joseph S. Passanise received a 2023 Missouri Lawyers Award for Firm Leadership from Missouri Lawyers Media at award ceremonies earlier this month in St. Louis. The award recognized Passanise for his extraordinary vision, innovation, and leadership over the past year. He was one of only six attorneys recognized for Law…
Read More >
Joseph S. Passanise and Taylon Sumners Recognized for Criminal Law Expertise by Best Lawyers in America, 2023 ED.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Springfield criminal defense attorneys Joseph S. Passanise and Taylon Sumners, of Wampler Passanise, have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, 2023 Ed. Based entirely on peer review, this is the 29th year Best Lawyers has published its prestigious list of top American lawyers and the third year it has recognized Ones to Watch…
Read More >
Commonsense: The Owner Of A Vehicle Is The Driver Of The Vehicle
Under Kansas v. Glover, 140 S. Ct. 1183 (2020), the United States Supreme Court determined that law enforcement officers are permitted to conduct an investigative stop solely based on the commonsense notion that the driver of a vehicle will be the owner of the vehicle. In this case, a Kansas deputy ran the vehicle’s license…
Read More >
Hot Pursuit of Misdemeanor Offenses
Exigent circumstances can be considered an exception to the Fourth Amendment requirement that police must obtain a warrant before entering a suspect’s home. For example, the “hot pursuit” of a suspect fleeing police can create an exigent circumstance for police to enter the fleeing suspect’s home without a warrant. But, what if the suspect is…
Read More >