Denise Kirby | Attorney

Denise Kirby

Denise Kirby

My practice focuses exclusively on DWI/DUI defense. I better be great at it, because it's all I do.

Language(s): English

Top Local Lawyers

About Denise

 

Fees vary depending on the situation and location of the charges.

Experience

Founder

The Law Offices of Denise Kirby, LLC

1996 - Present

Kansas City, MO

Admission

Verified Kansas

2013

Verified Missouri

1994

Education

Missouri State University

BS (Communications)

12/1990

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • The Missouri DWI Institute, LLC - President
  • The Missouri Society for Criminal Justice - President
  • Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Former Board of Directors and DWI Committee
  • The Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
Honors / Awards
  • The Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers President's Award
  • Named Best DWI Attorney - The Kansas City Star

Notable Work

Publications

Challenging Prior Convictions in the Criminal Case


Winning Administrative Hearings Using Only the Records


The Criminal Basics of DWI Defense

Questions & Answers

Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.

I have clients who are doctors, pilots, enlisted military or officers, nurses, truck drivers, or who hold professional licenses or jobs that require them to be able to drive or not have an alcohol or drug related driving conviction. It is very satisfying when I can help someone save their career. I have successfully gotten many cases dismissed or amended and have won a lot of license hearings over the past several years. Too many cases to narrow down to just one or two. My clients appreciate my hard work.

How did you build a successful practice?

I am dedicated to being the best at what I do and knowing and doing everything I can to help my clients. There is no magic to what I do. It's just hard work and intellectual curiosity. When you are dedicated to doing your best, others see that.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?

This is such an important question. DWI is such a nuanced and complex area of law that I don't believe you can be the best unless almost your entire practiced is dedicated to it. Clients should ask a lot of questions about the attorney's experience in their particular situation, what percentage of their practice is dedicated to DWI defense, what they do to stay on top of new case law and DWI training, if they've completed the NHTSA DWI 24 hour SFST course, what their reputation is among DWI attorneys, if they teach other attorneys DWI defense, how often they try DWI cases, and if they WIN. Also ask who will be handling your case. There are a lot of "fake" awards out there attorneys can pay for, and I don't believe clients are aware of that. Sometimes it's hard to tell what's just fluff and marketing, so ask a lot of questions.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?

I think it's always important to know your judges and how they might see particular facts. It's also important to know prosecutors and how they might handle different things. Finally, it's important to be familiar with the police officers who regularly make DWI arrests. It's important to be familiar with their training, their standard procedures in making their arrests, and how they testify when they're on the witness stand.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?

My phone consultations tend to be very long. I ask a lot of questions. I provide information about the process of the license and criminal cases, but I can't give specific case information until much later, when I've had an opportunity to review all the videos and reports in a case.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?

It's very helpful if the client has any documentation they were provided at the time of their arrest or release from custody. It isn't required, but I'm able to give more information if I have that available. I ask a lot of questions.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?

I work incredibly hard and do my best for every single client. I am incredibly thorough, and I don't take the easy route. If I think a client has a good case, I am there for the fight. I teach DWI defense to other defense attorneys so they can better defense their clients.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Changing lives. A client thanking me and asking if they can give me a hug at the end of their case is very rewarding. I also have a lot of clients who realize they need to make changes in their lives, and I love it when they succeed. I enjoy hearing from prior clients when they reach out to thank me years later and let me know they're doing well and that I had a big impact on their lives.

What are your other interests in addition to law?

This is not a nine to five job. I work a LOT. Outside of the law, I'm a huge Chiefs fan and attend most home games and some away games. I love hanging out with my family and friends, and I love to travel.

Are you involved in your community?

Because of the time required by my career, my community involvement is mostly through financial contributions to non-profits that have my heart. I also volunteer as a poll watcher during elections.