Smithville Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans. When the government makes allegations against you, you’re probably already stressed out. They’re stressful, have potentially life-altering consequences, and can become your whole life while you fight them. But for many people, possibly you, the challenges start before you even make it into the courtroom: How are you going to pay for a lawyer?
As scary of a question as it is, there is an answer: You can still hire a leading Smithville criminal defense lawyer to defend your rights. At Combs Waterkotte, we offer affordable and flexible payment plans so that you can get an elite team of attorneys without losing all your money in legal fees. But while we are flexible with you on billing, we’re staunchly by your side in the courtroom – when you work with our team, you’re getting a highly experienced, award-winning team of expert criminal defense attorneys.
On this page, we go over why a payment plan might work for you, but if you’re facing charges and aren’t sure where to start, call now at (314) 900-HELP or schedule an appointment online – we offer free consultations for anyone facing charges, and can figure out the details when we talk.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
400+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 60 Years
On this page, we outline the costs of criminal defense lawyers in Smithville, why payment plans may be a good choice for you, the features of our payment plans, and more. You can navigate to a specific point using the below links:
- What is the price of a a criminal defense attorney in Smithville, MO?
- What about public defenders?
- Factors that affect how much a case will cost
- Advantages of payment plans when hiring a lawyer
- How our criminal defense payment plans benefit our clients
- Case types you can use payment plans for
- Defensive strategies we could use for your case
- Hire a lawyer now with a payment plan that works for you
Without further ado, let’s get into the advantages of hiring a Smithville attorney with a payment plan.
How Expensive Are Criminal Defense Attornies in Smithville?
Prices for criminal defense cases can vary a lot, even for the same lawyer. The different circumstances for each case can increase or decrease costs a lot. They can range anywhere from a couple of thousand dollars to as much as $25,000 for complex felony cases. MO lawyers, in particular, tend to cost more than is typical for the United States.
What About Public Defenders? Or Self-Representation?
When you’re facing those kinds of fees, it may be tempting to opt for a public defender or choosing to represent yourself. But don’t rush into that decision – there are major downsides to either of those options. To get a public defender in Smithville, first, you need to meet the eligibility requirements.
Even if you are eligible, if you go with a public defender, you’re radically decreasing the chances of the goverment dropping the case. They’re also more likely to push you to accept plea deals, which can result in unfavorable outcomes for you.
What’s worse, even if you have a skilled public defender, it probably won’t make a difference – unfortunately, because of their low support and immense caseloads, they just aren’t able to give your case the attention it needs.
Representing yourself can be even worse, though: Even for something as minor as a traffic ticket, you need a lawyer to protect yourself from unseen costs. Before hiring us, one client paid a ticket without checking with an attorney, and she lost $6,000 in increased insurance costs.
What Factors Affect Criminal Case Costs?
Because every case is unique, the potential cost for a case can vary a lot: Many factors are considered when a lawyer sets fees for a case. Here are the key ones to watch out for:
- Location: Cases in cities tend to cost more than in the country, thanks to higher levels of competition and more expenses.
- Kind of Charge: Misdemeanors are usually cheaper than felonies. Some types of charges, like sex crimes, can also be more expensive due to the social stigma surrounding them.
- Experience: You can expect more experienced lawyers to charge more for their quality of defense.
- Hourly vs Flat: While it depends on the case, flat feeds tend to be more transparent in terms of pricing. Hourly rates can look more affordable at first glance, but over time will add up.
- Unique Case Factors: If there’s something that makes a case more complex (for example, if it involves complicated computer use and requires the hiring of an expert analyst), that can increase the cost.
Can a Payment Plan Make a Difference?
Payment plans can make a massive difference for defendants facing criminal allegations. Without a huge upfront cost, more people can afford a top attorney without going bankrupt.
The best payment plans are tailored to you, so that you’re not stuck with rigid steps that don’t work for your situation.
We know that most people aren’t expecting to face criminal charges. They’re not building a fund to account for the costs of a lawyer. Payment plans make a path for you to hire Smithville, MO’s leading criminal defense firm without the stress of coming up with the funds.
Legal Videos

Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Charges in the State of Illinois
Facing criminal charges in the state of Illinois? Attorney Andrew Russek and Josh Boardman from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Illinois criminal charges, including DUI …

Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?
Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek, lawyers with Combs Waterkotte, a leading federal criminal defense firm, talk about proffers, probation, and federal …

Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense?
Should I Hire A Lawyer Experienced In Federal Defense? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek from the leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte discuss the importance of hiring a lawyer with …

What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions?
What Penalties Apply To Federal Sex Crime Convictions? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte federal criminal defense firm discuss potential penalties related to federal sex crime …

Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration?
Do Federal Sex Crimes Require Sex Offender Registration? Andrew Russek, a lawyer with leading federal criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses the sex offender registry and federal sex …

What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State?
What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than …
How Combs Waterkotte’s Payment Plans Protect Your Wallet
At Combs Waterkotte, we want to give you the justice you deserve, no matter who you are and what charges you are facing. Because of that, we set up our payment plans in a way to make it reasonable and affordable for everyday people, facing anything from DWIs to murder charges.
Here’s how our payment plans can save you money:
- Low deposits – our down payments for both felonies and misdemeanors are affordable.
- Realistic bill structures – we’re understanding and will work with your budget to build a plan that works for you.
- Multiple payment options – we accept credit, debit, checks, money orders, and more.
- Flat fees – you don’t get stuck with surprise expenses or the buildup of hourly fees..
Get a top criminal defense without breaking the bank. We build strong defenses, are available 24/7, and don’t give up until you get the justice you deserve.
Free book
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future
Combs Waterkotte has over 60 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled. This ebook helps guide you through the criminal defense process and how an experienced, skilled defense attorney can keep your freedoms intact.
Criminal Defense Case Types We Offer Payment Plans For
At Combs Waterkotte, we build defenses for a diverse catalog of allegations and offer payment plans for all of them. Here are some of the charges we regularly defend clients from:
Is your charge not one of the ones listed above? Check out our complete list of Smithville, MO, criminal charges we offer payment plans for, or set up an appointment to go over what we can do for your case.

Combs Waterkotte Smithville Criminal Defense Strategies
When you hire us, our mission is find the most positive outcome for your case, whatever it is. Whatever you’re facing, we’re going to put together a trial-ready, fearless defense that intimidates the state and impacts juries. We also utilize our relationships with prosecutors and judges across MO to get charges dismissed and secure favorable plea deals.
Here are some of the main defense strategies we use to protect the rights of people in Smithville, MO:
- Alibi
- Self Defense/Defense of Others
- Lack of Intent
- Fourth Amendment Rights Violation
- Fifth Amendment Rights Violation
- Duress
- Necessity

Facing Criminal Charges in Smithville, MO? Low on Funds? Call Combs Waterkotte
We’re not here to be stingy or force you into debt – we’re here to defend your freedom and your future. Our team of leading Smithville, MO, criminal defense lawyers has has extensive experience working with clients just like you to defend cases just like yours.
At Combs Waterkotte, we see you as a person, not a another case or paycheck. We want to give your case the attention it deserves, no matter what it is or what your finances look like. Let us protect your freedom and your wallet.
Set up an appointment online or call us at (314) 900-HELP anytime for a free case examination, and to discuss payment plans that will work for you.

