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Holden, MO

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Last Updated: January 23, 2026

Holden, MO, Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans. When the government makes allegations against you, you’re probably already stressed out. You’re facing challenges that nobody wants to go through. But for many people, possibly you, you’re facing another hurdle outside of the legal system to overcome: How am I going to afford a defense attorney?

As scary of a question as it is, there is an answer: You can still hire a leading Holden criminal defense lawyer to defend your rights. At Combs Waterkotte, we can set up tailored payment plans so that you can get an elite team of attorneys without going into debt over it. 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 lawyers.

Here, we’re outlining the potential advantages of a payment plan, but if you’re facing charges and aren’t sure where to start, call now at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online – we offer free consultations on all cases, and can decide on next steps after our call.

Here, we outline the costs of criminal defense lawyers in Holden, why payment plans may be a good choice for you, ways we make our payment plans work for our clients, and more. You can jump to a specific point using the below links:

Without further ado, let’s get into the advantages of hiring a Holden attorney with a payment plan.


How Much Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Cost in Holden?

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 slightly above average 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 representing yourself. But don’t make that decision lightly – there are major drawbacks to both of those choices. To get a public defender in Holden, there are certain eligibility requirements that you must fit to qualify.

Even if you do qualify, by opting for a public defender over a private attorney, you’re drastically decreasing your chances of the prosecution dropping the case. Public defenders also frequently negotiate subpar plea deals, which can result in unfavorable outcomes for you.

The quality of the public defender doesn’t matter – unfortunately, because of their lack of support and massive caseloads, they are in a spot where they can’t give clients’ cases the time they need.

Representing yourself is often even worse, though: Even for something as minor as a traffic ticket, you need a lawyer to warn you about hidden consequences. We’ve had a client who paid a ticket without checking with an attorney, and ended up paying $6,000 in increased insurance costs.

What Factors Affect Criminal Case Costs?

When considering the cost to defend a given case, there’s a lot to keep in mind: Many factors affect the cost to defend a case. Here are the most important ones to be aware of:

  • 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. Additionally, some defenses can be more expensive because of the sensitive nature of the allegation, like with sex crimes.
  • Experience: Experienced, expert lawyers will typically charge more than their novice counterparts.
  • 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: Expert analysts and witnesses are expensive – if your case involves, for example, computer programs and your lawyer needs to hire a software engineer for assistance, that can increase the case costs.

Can a Payment Plan Make a Difference?

Payment plans can make a massive difference for defendants facing criminal allegations. By avoiding a massive upfront cost, more people are able to afford a top attorney without going into debt.

The best payment plans are tailored to you, so that you and your attorney can find something that works for both of you.

Normally, people aren’t thinking about what to do if they’re facing prosecution. They’re not setting up their budget to cover the costs of criminal defense. Payment plans make top-rate criminal defense lawyers affordable for people when they need one most.



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Play video

Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?

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What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
Play video

What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?

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Play video

Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri

Everything You Need to Know About Juvenile Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs and Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answer the most commonly asked questions about …

How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Play video

How Does Plea Bargaining Work?

Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.

Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Play video

Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?

Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …

Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
Play video

Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?

St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …

Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
Play video

Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri

Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri. St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs answers the most commonly asked questions about Criminal Defense Cases in …

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Play video

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How Combs Waterkotte’s Payment Plans Protect Your Wallet

At Combs Waterkotte, we want to give you a suburb defense, no matter who you are and what situation you are in. Because of that, we handle our billing in a way to make it reasonable and affordable for everyday people, facing everything from DWIs to murder charges.

Here’s how our payment plans can protect your wallet:

  • Low deposits – You don’t have to pay high initial fees to hire us – for both felonies and misdemeanors.
  • Realistic bill structures – we’re reasonable and will work with your budget to find something fair and affordable.
  • Multiple payment options – we accept credit, debit, checks, money orders, and more.
  • Flat fees – avoid hidden costs and the snowballing bills from hourly rates.

Get a top-quality criminal defense without breaking the bank. We build staunch defenses, are available 24/7, and keep fighting until you get the justice you deserve.


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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.










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    Criminal Defense Case Types We Offer Payment Plans For

    At Combs Waterkotte, we take pride in defending a wide variety of criminal charges in MO and offer payment plans for all of them. Here are some of the most common charges we defend clients against:

    Are you up against something not on that list? Look at our complete list of Holden, MO, criminal charges we offer payment plans for, or set up an appointment to discuss options for your case.


    Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans


    Combs Waterkotte Holden Criminal Defense Strategies

    When we defend you, our objective is to get you the best possible outcome for your case, whatever that looks like. Whatever charge(s) you’re facing, we will construct a trial-ready, fearless defense that intimidates the state and impacts juries. We also make use of our relationships with prosecutors and judges across MO to get charges dismissed and obtain favorable plea deals.

    Here are some of the main defense strategies we might use to defend you in Holden, MO:


    Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans


    Facing Criminal Charges in Holden, MO? Low on Funds? Call Combs Waterkotte

    We’re not here to pinch pennies or put you in debt – we’re here to defend your freedom and your future. Our team of expert Holden, MO, criminal defense lawyers has over 60 years of combined courtroom experience and has worked 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 help good people in bad situations, both legal and financial. Let us defend your freedom and your bank account.

    Set up an appointment online or call us at (314) 900-HELP anytime for a free consultation on your case, and to go over payment plans that make it affordable for you.

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