Joe Pate moved to the Southwest Missouri region following a successful career in Central Florida, where he owned and managed Pates Law Group, P.A. for 10 years.

Joe received his B.A from Emory University with a double major in History and Sociology with a minor in Violence Studies. Furthering his education, he attended the University of Miami School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor.  During his time at law school, Joe interned at a worker’s compensation law firm and also worked with a Sports and Entertainment Agency, Revolution Sports. He demonstrated passion for his community while in Miami by becoming an assistant football coach for Coral Gables High School.

Joe began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit and tried felony and misdemeanor cases in both adult and juvenile courts, ranging from simple trespass to punishable-by-life felonies. Joe continued his legal career on the defense side by starting and operating Pates Law Group, P.A., a successful multi-attorney law firm. Now in Missouri, he is continuing with his practice, primarily in the area of criminal defense.

While living in Florida, Joe continued to give back to his community by serving as a multi-year mentor to a special-needs foster child. Today, Joe continues to contribute to his community by serving as a coach for multiple children’s leagues.

Bar Admissions

  • Missouri, 2018
  • Florida, 2005

Professional Memberships & Activities

MO Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers


Areas of Practice – Criminal Defense

  • Drug charges
  • Assault/Battery
  • Bond Reduction
  • Driver’s License Reinstatement
  • DWI
  • White Collar Crimes
  • Felonies
  • Juvenile Defense
  • Misdemeanors
  • Revocation of probation 
  • Theft
  • Traffic Violations

Good people make bad mistakes

We understand that people sometimes get put into bad situations and make terrible decisions that lead to legal problems.  We have worked with many clients who were just at the wrong place at the wrong time.  It can happen to the best of us when we are put in a position of despair.  Unfortunately, law enforcement and the prosecuting attorneys are obligated to do their jobs and will institute serious penalties no matter what the circumstances.  Most of the time, the prosecutors aren’t aware of the circumstances of the individual, which is why it’s important to hire a qualified defense attorney like Joe Pate.

We will work diligently to get the best outcome for you. Attorney Joe Pate has proven time and again that he can deliver results in and out of court.