John practices at State & Municipal Courts across Missouri and has an industry leading reputation for achieving successful outcomes for his clients. By utilizing his extensive legal and courtroom experience, he has been able to obtain dismissals, acquittals at trial, and countless reductions in charges for the benefit of thousands of clients over his extraordinary career. John has extensive experience in addressing criminal defense, DWI litigation, felony and misdemeanor cases, and driver’s licensing and traffic laws.

Due to his achievements in the courtroom and desire to improve the practice of law and his community, John has been invited to participate in many local legal organizations and opportunities such as the following:

• The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys.

• Selected by his peers as a Missouri Super Lawyer in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

• Named as one of the Three Best Rated criminal defense attorneys in Springfield, MO.

• Named as one of the Best of Southwest Missouri criminal defense attorneys.

• Taken and graduated in 2008 from the same DWI Standardized Field Sobriety Training (SFST) course required of all Missouri police officers.

• Regularly requested to help train new police officers on DWI protocols and the best practices for police officers in the field.

• Board Member of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL).

• Board Member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association (SMBA).

• Board Member of the Community Alternative Sentencing Program (CASP).

Before pursuing a career in criminal defense, John was a prosecuting attorney at the Greene County, Missouri Prosecuting Attorney’s Office where he gained trial experience handling felony, misdemeanor and DWI cases. John has also previously served as the Assistant Executive Director and Missouri Legislative lobbyist for a multi-million dollar construction organization in Kansas City, Missouri. While in law school, John also had the opportunity to work for then United States House of Representatives member, the Honorable Rep. Roy Blunt.

John is a seventh-generation Missourian whose family has resided in southwest Missouri for over 160 years, and his is proud to call this area home. He is a 1998 graduate of University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law and a 1995 graduate with cum laude honors from Missouri State University.

His experience extends across the aisle as well. Prior to joining the firm in 2019, he worked as a prosecutor for the Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office where, as lead attorney, he prosecuted and brought to trial a wide range of criminal cases.

Patrick is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law where he focused his studies in the area of criminal law. During law school Patrick was chosen to serve as an editor for the Kansas Law Review, publishing an in-depth analysis of the state’s substance abuse treatment program. He was also selected to represent KU as a member of their moot court team in nationwide competition.

Prior to law school, Patrick received his bachelor’s degree in criminology from Missouri State University. While attending MSU, he worked full time as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital in intensive care and behavioral health. His education and professional experience as a nurse has given him a unique insight into the challenges that people suffering from serious mental health conditions, including substance addiction, face on a daily basis.

Patrick was born and raised in Southwest Missouri (go Houn Dawgs), and is proud to call this area home where he lives with his wife and two kids.

Sonya has lived in Southwest Missouri since 1982 and began working at the firm in 2022. Prior to working for the firm, Sonya worked for Attorney Larry Catt for 16 years in his criminal defense practice. Currently, Sonya assists with law office administration, client/case management and document and trial preparation. She also has a great deal of knowledge and experience in handling driver license and administrative issues involving the Missouri Department of Revenue and understands the steps necessary to receive limited driving privileges or driver license reinstatement.

In her free time, Sonya enjoys spending time with her family, cooking or enjoying a good book.

In her current role, Sonja leverages her background in office management and legal administration to oversee a wide range of responsibilities, including law office administration, client and case management, and trial preparation. She is recognized for her organizational skills, reliability, and commitment to ensuring that attorneys and clients are fully supported throughout the legal process.

Sonja is dedicated to fostering trust through clear communication, professionalism, and a solutions-focused approach. Her contributions play a key role in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the firm’s operations.

Originally from Southwest Missouri, Sonja values family and community. Outside the office, she enjoys time with her extended family, supporting her daughter’s athletic pursuits, and attending St. Louis Cardinals games.