Total Credits: 16.5 MCLE, 2.0 Ethics, 16.0 Kansas Credit-General, 2.0 Kansas Ethics
Join us in-person at The Lodge of Four Seasons for the
Bernard Edelman
DWI Law & Science Seminar
Missouri’s Premier DWI Seminar
Presented by MoBarCLE and the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar provides lawyers with the opportunity to learn from national experts and even better understand the science behind the practice of DWI law.
This seminar covers everything from the essentials new lawyers need to win their first DWI case, to the advanced techniques and case law updates required to keep veteran practitioners at the top of their game. Designed for the entire firm, the Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar also features a Bootcamp for Lawyers and Paralegals on the last day of the conference.
If you can't attend in person, this conference is also available via virtual webinar August 25-28! Click HERE to register for the virtual webinar.
Nick is a partner in the litigation department at DHH. He focuses his practice on civil plaintiffs work in the areas of personal injury, employment law, and class actions. He was named as a Top 40 under 40 member of the National Trial Lawyers Association in 2023 and 2024.
Kim Benjamin owns the Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center at the Benjamin Law Firm, which is honored to be named in the top 30 of 355 criminal defense firms in KC. She regularly teaches lawyers all over the US how to try criminal and civil cases. www.DWICriminalLawCenter.com - kim@benjaminlawkc.com
A native of Chillicothe, Missouri, Judge Chapman earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Westminster College in 1988. Judge Chapman received his J.D. at the University of Virginia School of Law in 1991; and received his LLM in Taxation, from U.M.K.C. School of Law in 1995.
After graduating from law school, Judge Chapman practiced law in Chillicothe for 19 years before being elected in 2010 as circuit judge for the 43rd Judicial Circuit, Division 1. He was reelected in 2012, and then served as the 43rd Circuit Presiding Judge through 2018. In 2018, he was appointed by Governor Michael Parson to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, and was retained in that position in 2020.
Chapman and his wife, Lindy, continue to reside in Chillicothe, Missouri. Their eldest daughter, Claire Wright, M.D., is a Captain in the Air Force. Their son, Wagner Chapman, is a product developer at Amazon and resides in Seattle, Washington. Their youngest, Callaway Chapman, recently graduated from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio; and is currently attending Washington University School of Law.
Admitted in 1983. SLU law, ND undergrad. General practitioner until about 1992, then began specializing in criminal defense. I have served as a municipal judge in two different cities. I have worked in the private sector since graduating from law school and currently run the Cisar Law Firm, P.C. There are two associates in the firm, one of them my daughter, both associates under 30.
Mimi Coffey offices in Ft. Worth and Dallas, Texas. She is board certified in DWI by the NCDD. She's the Dean of the NCDD (2024-2024). She is co-author of Texas DWI Defense- The Law and Practice. Her articles have been published in The Champion and The Voice.
Jeff Eastman is a founding member of both the National College for DUI Defense and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, organizations established to advance the cause of aggressive DUI/DWI defense. He is the recipient of numerous awards and has had the privilege of educating others in effective DWI defense.
John M. Eccher is a criminal defense and civil plaintiff trial attorney, with the majorities of his criminal practice in the area of DWI defense and his civil practice in the areas of employment and civil rights litigation.
Judge Zel Fischer was born in Hamburg, Iowa and grew up in the small town of Watson, Missouri. He was educated in Rock Port public schools, and attended William Jewell College, in Liberty, MO. He went on to graduate from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law with distinction in 1988.
Judge Fischer was admitted to The Missouri Bar in 1988 and served one year as law clerk for the Honorable Andrew Jackson Higgins of the Supreme Court of Missouri. From there, he practiced law in Kansas City, engaged in a solo law practice in northwest Missouri, and in November 2006, he was elected associate circuit judge for Atchison County. Judge Fischer served in that capacity until his appointment to the Supreme Court of Missouri in October 2008. He served as chief justice from July 2017–June 2019, receiving the Theodore McMillian Judicial Excellence Award from the Missouri Bar in 2019.
Judge Fischer is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The National Courts and Science Institute (NCSI), which is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to training judges in science, and also serves as a member on the National Advisory Board for the University of North Carolina Bryson Center for Judicial Science Education. Judge Fischer is a frequent presenter for judicial and local education, primarily on the topics of appellate practice, professional ethics, and the intersection of law and science.
Matt Fry is one of Missouri’s top DWI attorneys. He has successfully defended every type of DWI case, including assault, manslaughter, and felony murder. There is no DWI fact pattern Matt has not seen. Outside of DWI offense, Matt is passionate about teaching Trial Advocacy II at SLU Law and running his non-profit, St. Louis Impact.
Dr. Marcus Iszard is a pharmacologist and toxicologist with over 25 years of experience in higher education and more than two decades of forensic and investigative consultation in pharmacology, toxicology, and therapeutics. He has provided expert testimony and legal deposition in both state and federal courts, and under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for the United States Army and the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps.
His academic career includes extensive teaching of pharmacology, toxicology, and therapeutics to pharmacy, medical, dental, and nursing students, with a focus on clinical, research, and investigative applications. Dr. Iszard has also developed and delivered specialized curricula, including the "Investigative Toxicology" course at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Pharmacy (2010–2013), and a Continuing Legal Education (CLE)-accredited program titled Basic Use and Application of Toxicolegal Science Information with Guidelines for Investigating Drug-Related Cases (Missouri Bar: 6.8 CLE hours; Kansas CLE Commission: 6.5 CLE hours).
Dr. Iszard holds advanced degrees (MS and PhD) in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Florida A&M University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics. He is licensed as a private investigator in the State of Kansas (License #D-6161) and serves as an item writer for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME).
Travis Jones has been an instructor for the last 25 years. He is a court recognized expert in the field of DWI, breath testing for alcohol, radar, crash data retrieval and accident reconstruction. Travis is currently the owner of TBJ LLC which conducts training, case reviews, investigation/download, diagraming and testimony.
Erin is the Attorney Development Manager and Well-Being Working Group Chair at Ogletree Deakins. After twelve years practicing law, she now helps lawyers successfully navigate their careers and well-being. Erin serves on The Missouri Bar’s Well-Being Committee, speaks regularly on well-being topics, and has been recognized nationally for her work.
Troy McKinney graduated magna cum laude from South Texas College of Law and having been a briefing attorney at the First Court of Appeals. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as well as in DWI Defense Law by the National College for DUI Defense (the only lawyer in Texas to have all three of these Board Certifications). He is the Dean of the National College for DUI Defense, a past President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and past Board member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Project
Troy McKinney, a shareholder in Schneider & McKinney, P.C., has been licensed for over 25 years. He graduated summa cum laude from South Texas College of Law and was a briefing attorney at the First Court of Appeals. He is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as well as in DWI Defense Law by the National College for DUI Defense (the only lawyer in Texas to have all three of these Board Certifications). He is a member of the Board of Regents of the National College for DUI Defense and is a past President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and past Board member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Project. He is a Fellow of the College of the State Bar of Texas and of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute. McKinney is co-author of Texas Drunk Driving Law (Lexis 4th Ed) and has authored a variety of articles that have been published in the Champion, Defender, and Voice for the Defense. He is a frequent speaker throughout the country (25 states) and internationally (5 foreign countries) on DWI and other criminal law issues. He has spoken and taught at over 140 CLE courses. The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association has twice named him the Outstanding Member of the Year. He has repeatedly been named a “Texas Super Lawyer, a Thomson Reuters Service” in Criminal Law (2004-2011) and in DWI Defense (2005-2011), a “Top Lawyer for the People” by H Texas Magazine (2005-2011) and one of “America’s Best Lawyers” (2007-2011) by America’s Best Lawyers.
Travis Noble is a trial attorney that concentrates in the areas of DWI, drug charges and other felonies. He has lectured across the country regarding DWI Investigation and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. Before attending law school he was a police officer and narcotics agent from 1985 until 1995.
Megan Oliver has practiced criminal law since 2019, starting as a public defender. She has handled numerous DWI cases, including many DOR trials, preliminary hearings, and suppression motions. Now in her second year with the Benjamin Law Firm, Megan loves being part of a team dedicated to expert DWI defense. |
Joseph S. Passanise has more than 25 years of criminal law experience and received his Juris Doctor, with honors, from Washburn University School of Law. A frequent speaker at Missouri Bar conferences, Passanise is a member of the National College of DUI Defense and a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.
Christian A. Stiegemeyer is the Director of Risk Management for The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company where he helps lawyers arrive at practical solutions to a wide variety of ethical and legal malpractice issues. He received his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law.
In July 2022, Mr. Vang was presented the National College of DUI Defense “TRIAL ADVOCACY AWARD.” Mr. Vang has thirty-eight (38) - reported appeals before the Wyoming Supreme Court dealing with DUI and implied consent issues and he will be presented the National College of DUI Defense “APPELLATE ADVOCACY AWARD."
Carl Ward is a nationally recognized DWI trial and appellate attorney who has represented thousands of citizens accused of DWI in nearly 90 Missouri counties. He is a Past President of MACDL, the founder of FUDOR, and current MoBar Governor.
Hon. Gary Witt was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, in 2010. He was elected as chief judge for a two year term that began July 1, 2022. He received the Appellate Judicial Excellence Award in 2020. He was previously an associate circuit judge in Platte County from 1998 - 2010.
Before his judicial service, Judge Witt served as a state representative from 1991-1996. He was a shareholder with Witt, Hicklin & Witt, PC in Platte City.
Judge Witt earned his undergraduate degree from William Jewell College and his Juris Doctor from University of Missouri-Columbia.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
9-9:50 a.m. | Plenary 1 | Granada A/B
Case law update
During this session you will learn the black letter rule on every relevant case handed down from July 2024 to July 2025 and how to apply those cases to your DWI practice.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Matthew D. Fry, Rosenblum Schwartz Fry & Johnson, Clayton
9:50-10:10 a.m. | Break
10:10-11:20 a.m. | Plenary 2 | Granada A/B
Attacking blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measurements in DWI cases under a statutory predicate, court rules (Daubert), due process, and confrontation
Mr. Vang will explain how to use implied consent statutes that have been incorporated into DUI statutes to demand chemical testing discovery and to suppress chemical testing evidence under a statutory predicate. Mr. Vang will explain how to use statutes and court rules to suppress chemical testing measurements in DUI cases.
Speaker: R. Michael Vang, R. Michael Vang PC, Laramie, WY
11:20-11:35 a.m. | Break
11:35 a.m.-12:25 p.m. | Plenary 3 | Granada A/B
DWI by THC: Has the case law caught up?
With the legalization of marijuana in Missouri, prosecutions for DWI by THC have increased substantially. However, the caselaw regarding DWI by THC has not. Matt Fry will discuss the law on DWI by THC and the issues the State may have with proving causation.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Matthew D. Fry, Rosenblum Schwartz Fry & Johnson, Clayton
12:25-1:30 p.m. | Lunch | Marbella
12:40-1:30 p.m. | Plenary 4 | Marbella
The Ethics & Malpractice Risks of Artificial Intelligence
The Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct require lawyers to “keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology”. This program will look at the relevance of AI on the profession and the ethics and malpractice considerations when using it in your practice.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Chris A. Stiegemeyer, The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company, St. Louis
1:30-1:50 p.m. | Break
1:50-3:30 p.m. | Plenary 5 | Granada A/B
Court of Appeals, Western District: Oral arguments
Gary D. Witt, Chief Judge, Presiding; Thomas N. Chapman, Judge; Zel Fischer, Special Judge
3:30-3:50 p.m. | Break
3:50-4:20 p.m. | Plenary 6 | Granada A/B
Unique issues for CDL drivers
Speaker: John M. Eccher, Eccher Law Group, St. Louis
4:20-4:40 p.m. | Break
4:40-5:10 p.m. | Plenary 7 | Granada A/B
Issue spotting: Top ten things to know about DWI cases
The definition and purpose behind different sections of the DWI Investigation. This will include the 10 things to review in any report you receive and are commonly investigated incorrectly.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Travis B. Jones, TBJ, LLC, St. Peters
5:10-5:30 p.m. | Break
5:30-6:15 p.m. | Plenary 8 | Granada A/B
The good, bad, and ugly of DWI defense
Learn the history of DWI offense in Missouri from several of the most seasoned and experienced DWI attorneys in Missouri. They will discuss their good, bad, and ugly cases and experiences throughout all of the courtrooms in Missouri. Please come prepared to ask questions.
Speakers: Matthew D. Fry (Moderator), Rosenblum Schwartz Fry & Johnson, Clayton; Jeffrey S. Eastman, Law Office of Keleher & Eastman, Gladstone; Carl M. Ward, The Law Office of Carl M. Ward, Washington; Timothy R. Cisar, The Cisar Law Firm, PC, Lake Ozark
6:15 p.m. | Adjourn
Friday, July 25, 2025
9-9:50 a.m. | Breakout 1-1 | Granada A/B
Alcohol and drug intoxication - Role in drrivng and impairment, Part 1
Objectives: Following completion of this section, the learner will have a working knowledge base and understanding of how alcohol and drugs work in the biological system relative to driving and impairment. The learning approach for this session utilizes both experience-based case evaluation and critical forward review regarding the role of drugs and alcohol, both single or combined, relative to driving and impairment.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Dr. Marcus Iszard, PhD, P.I., Iszard Investigational Pharmacology & Toxicology Services, LLC, Overland Park, KS
9-9:50 a.m. | Breakout 1-2 | Granada C
Basics/Bootcamp
Speaker: Jeannean Fenske, Travis Noble, PC, St. Louis
9:50-10:10 a.m. | Break
10:10-11 a.m. | Breakout 2-1 | Granada A/B
Alcohol and drug intoxication - Role in driving and impairment, Part 2
This presentation is a continuation of the 9 a.m. session.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Dr. Marcus Iszard, PhD, P.I., Iszard Investigational Pharmacology & Toxicology Services, LLC, Overland Park, KS
10:10-11 a.m. | Breakout 2-2 | Granada C
Basics/Bootcamp: Criminal and Civil Consequences for DWIs (includes AH, RFSLs, and TDNS)
Overview of the criminal charges and civil penalties arising from DWI offenses, including fines, license suspensions, and long-term impacts.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Megan G. Oliver, Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, Belton
11-11:20 a.m. | Break
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 3-1 | Granada A/B
Attacking indicators of intoxication with innocent explanations
How common sense, aging and sleep deprivation play a role in a DWI arrest.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Mimi Coffey, The Coffey Firm, Ft. Worth, Texas
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. | Breakout 3-2 | Granada C
Basics/Bootcamp: Demonstration of a DOR hearing for legal assistants and paralegals
Step-by-step walkthrough of a Department of Revenue hearing, highlighting procedures, common challenges, and effective advocacy strategies.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Megan G. Oliver, Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, Belton
12:10-12:25 p.m. | Break
12:25-12:55 p.m. | Breakout 4-1 | Granada A/B
How to effectively use State v. Hatfield to win a DWI case
Speaker: Kim Benjamin, Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, Belton
12:25-12:55 p.m. | Breakout 4-2 | Granada C
Basics/Bootcamp: Legal issue spotting in DWIs
Learn to identify key legal issues in DWI cases for effective case management and client advocacy.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Megan G. Oliver, Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, Belton
12:55-2 p.m. | Lunch | Marbella
1:10-2 p.m. | Plenary 9 | Marbella
Pushed to the limit: Exploring the biology of chronic stress and strategies to mitigate its impact
The legal field is often fast-paced, deadline-driven, and high-pressure, leading many in the profession to experience chronic stress which, if not tamed, can contribute and/or lead to serious health issues. In this session we will review important statistics about the well-being of legal professionals, explore the biology of chronic stress (including why our bodies are not built to withstand it), and learn a three-part recipe for managing stress and mitigating its impact.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Erin McClernon, Ogletree Deakins, Kansas City
2-2:20 p.m. | Break
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 5-1 | Granada A/B
How to challenge priors in DWI cases
Speakers: Joseph S. Passanise, Wampler & Passanise, Springfield; Nickolas W. Allen, Douglas, Haun & Heidemann PC, Springfield
2:20-3:10 p.m. | Breakout 5-2 | Granada C
Basics/Bootcamp: Useful tools and forms for DWI clients
During this session Jessie will discuss different tools and forms that can be beneficial to representing a DWI client.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Jessie Greathouse, Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center at Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, Belton
3:10-3:30 p.m. | Break
3:30-4:30 p.m. | Breakout 6-1 | Granada A/B
How to streamline and excel at voir dire in a DUI
Speaker: Troy McKinney, Schneider & McKinney, PC, Houston, TX
3:30-4:30 p.m. | Breakout 6-2 | Granada C
Basics/Bootcamp
Speaker: TBD
4:30-4:45 p.m. | Break
4:45-5:45 p.m. | Plenary 10 | Granada A/B
How to use your team to win more cases during investigation and pre-trial preparation
This session will review what your staff can do to assist you prior to trial.
Learning objectives:
Speaker: Travis L. Noble, Travis Noble, PC, St. Louis
5:45 p.m. | Adjourn
Schedule as of 7/8/2025
Opinions and positions stated by presenters of MoBarCLE programs are those of the presenters and not necessarily those of The Missouri Bar. This program is intended as information for lawyers in Missouri, in conjunction with other research they deem necessary, in the exercise of their independent judgment.
MACDL Member Registration Early: $345* | Regular: $400
* Early rates end 6/25/25
Non-MACDL Member Registration Early: $385* | Regular: $440
* Early rates end 6/25/25
Law Student/Paralegal/Legal Aid/State Public Defender/Prosecutor/MO Protection & Advocacy Services Registration | $230
DWI Bootcamp for Lawyers and Paralegals In-person Registration FRIDAY ONLY | $155
If you can't attend in person, this conference is also available via virtual webinar August 25-28!
The Lodge of Four Seasons
315 Four Seasons Drive | Lake Ozark, MO 65049
573-365-3000 | Toll-free 1-800-THE-LAKE
Sleeping Room Rates
Seasons Bay | Two Beds or King $157
Main Lodge | Two beds or King $192
Main Lodge | Junior King Suite $227
Poolside Lanai | Two Beds or King $227
Rates are per night, and do not include tax or resort service fees.
Reservations
To make a reservation, call 888-265-5500 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Conference lodging rates end on June 25, 2025, or when the block is filled, whichever occurs first.
Group Direct Booking Link- No login/Attendee Code needed:
Booking Engine 4.0 URL: https://reservations.travelclick.com/17336?groupID=4744523
2025 Bernard Edelman DWI Law & Science Seminar Registration Cancellation and Refund Policy
Click here to sign-up for the MACDL Golf Scramble
Click here to sign-up for the MACDL Golf Scramble
If you request accommodations addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, email your request at least three weeks prior to the program to mobarcle@mobar.org.
MoBarCLE may take photos and video at this program. By attending, you give The Missouri Bar permission to use images or audio captured at these programs, as well as any written comment on evaluation forms, in any electronic or printed communications by The Missouri Bar and for any educational, advertising, and promotional purposes. You agree to release The Missouri Bar, its employees, agents, and designees from liability for any violation of any personal or proprietary right you may have in connection with such use.
The Missouri Bar takes the safety and well-being of its members, the public, and its employees very seriously. We continue to monitor the latest public health updates. We will inform you of any changes to events that affect you. This includes any cancellation notices or changes to venue, format, or safety guidelines.
We encourage all attendees of Missouri Bar events to be aware of and follow public health guidelines for large gatherings. Help us keep everyone in attendance safe by not attending an event if you are ill or believe you may be contagious. Be respectful of the personal comfort level of other attendees when it comes to physical distancing, including shaking hands or other gestures common in networking environments.
By registering for and attending a Missouri Bar event, you agree to take reasonable health and safety precautions and to abide by The Missouri Bar’s posted meeting guidelines.
Please also be advised that, pursuant to RSMo. 537.1005, effective Aug. 28, 2021, “under Missouri law, any individual entering the premises or engaging the services of the business waives all civil liability against the individual or entity for any damages based on inherent risks associated with an exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19, except for recklessness or willful misconduct.”
Please contact The Missouri Bar with any questions or concerns.