Les D. Wight, Criminal Defense Attorney in Independence, Missouri
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Estate Planning · 3.6/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
MemberatLes D. Wight, II
Independence, MO
Practicing criminal defense in Independence since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 3.6 ★
- 5 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Les D. Wight?
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Quick answer
Les D. Wight is a member based in Independence, MO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Estate Planning. Les has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Les D. Wight, II. Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
- Based in
- Independence, MO
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · Estate Planning
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Estate Planning matters from Independence, MO.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Les D. Wight: Les D. Wight is a member based in Independence, MO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Estate Planning. Les has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Les D. Wight, II. Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Les takes on
Les concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, estate planning, family law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Les handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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Estate Planning
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Family Law
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General
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POA
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Probate
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Traffic
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Trusts
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Criminal Defense cases in Independence, Missouri
Les takes criminal defense matters in Independence, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Les agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Independence, Missouri
Les takes dui/dwi matters in Independence, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Les agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Independence, Missouri
Les takes estate planning matters in Independence, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Les agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Independence, Missouri
Les takes family law matters in Independence, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Les agrees to represent you.
General cases in Independence, Missouri
Les takes general matters in Independence, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Les agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Les D. Wight — criminal defense lawyer in Independence
Les D. Wight is a member based in Independence, MO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Estate Planning. Les has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Les D. Wight, II. Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Les D. Wight is a lawyer practicing family law, estate planning, traffic violations and 6 other areas of law. Les received a B.A. degree from Graceland College in 1973, and has been licensed for 49 years. Les practices at Les D. Wight, II in Independence, MO.
Les's approach to criminal defense cases
Les D. Wight is a lawyer practicing family law, estate planning, traffic violations and 6 other areas of law. Les received a B.A. degree from Graceland College in 1973, and has been licensed for 49 years. Les practices at Les D. Wight, II in Independence, MO.
Clients Les works with
Les reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and estate planning matters in Independence and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Missouri at Kansas City
J.D. · 1976
Graceland College
B.A. · 1973
Jurisdictions
Les's state bar admissions
Missouri
1977 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1977 · ACTIVE
Les studied at J.D. in University of Missouri at Kansas City and B.A. in Graceland College.
Law school and academic background
Les completed J.D. in University of Missouri at Kansas City and B.A. in Graceland College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Les runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Les has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Les's professional memberships and bar associations
Kansas City Metropolitan, Eastern Jackson County and American (Member: Family Law Section Small Practice Committee) Bar Associations The Missouri Bar
membership
Locations
Les D. Wight's office in Independence
Les's primary office is at 530 E. 23rd St. S., Independence, MO, 64055. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Les D. Wight — 3.6/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Les. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Independence.
3.6
5 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Les D. Wight claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Les D. Wight — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Les usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Les charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Les's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Les will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Independence, Missouri
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Les
Les discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Les confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Les's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Les D. Wight
How much does it cost to hire Les for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Les walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Les offer a free consultation?
Les charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Les's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Les's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Missouri typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Les gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Les take my case if I'm outside Independence?
Les is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Les will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Les?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Les will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Les accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Les's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Independence, St Louis and Jefferson City in Missouri
Les handles criminal defense matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Missouri
If Les's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Independence handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





