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Polo, MO

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Last Updated: January 23, 2026

Polo, MO, Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans. Arrests and criminal charges are bad enough on their own. They’re stressful, have potentially life-altering consequences, and can become your whole life while you fight them. But for many people, possibly you, you’re facing another hurdle outside of the legal system to overcome: How am I going to pay for this?

You have options: You can still get a top-quality Polo criminal defense attorney to defend your case. 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. And we don’t compromise on your defense quality – when you hire us, you’re getting a results-driven, 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 need to get started on your defense right away, call now at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch online – we offer free consultations on all cases, and can guide you from there.

Below, we outline the typical expenses of criminal defense attorneys in Polo, the advantages of payment plans, ways we make our payment plans work for our clients, and more. You can navigate to a specific point using the below links:

Read on to learn all about why a Polo, MO criminal defense lawyer with a payment plan is right for you.


How Expensive Are Criminal Defense Attornies in Polo?

It’s unfortunately impossible to give a prediction of how much a case will cost without knowing the ins and outs of it. They can range anywhere from a couple of thousand dollars to as much as $25,000 for complicated 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, you might be thinking about looking for a public defender or trying to represent yourself. But don’t make that decision lightly – there are major risks and roadblocks if you go with either of those routes. To get a public defender in Polo, you first need to determine if you are even eligible.

Even if you are eligible, picking a public defender instead of a private defense lawyer signficicantly decreases your chances of the prosecution dropping the case against you. They’re also more likely to push you to accept plea deals, which can result in unfavorable results for you.

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

Going it alone can be even worse, though: Even if you’re only facing a traffic ticket, you need a lawyer to be on your side and watch out for pitfalls. We’ve had a client who paid a ticket without speakign to a traffic lawyer, and she lost $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 go into determining the price. Here are the most important ones to keep in mind:

  • Location: Urban cases tend to be more expensive than rural cases, 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: Experienced, expert lawyers will typically charge more than their novice counterparts.
  • Hourly vs Flat: Hourly rates can have hidden costs, or shoot up over time. Flat fees may look more expensive at first, but you avoid surprise costs.
  • 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. Without a huge upfront cost, more people can 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 account for the costs of a lawyer. Payment plans make a path for you to hire Polo, MO’s leading criminal defense firm without the stress of coming up with the funds.



Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Play video

Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?

Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …

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

What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …

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

Are Text Messages Admissible in Court?
Play video

Are Text Messages Admissible in Court?

Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte answer if text messages are admissible in court. This video is part of a series on your legal rights during police interactions.

Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Play video

Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?

Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …

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

What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?

What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …

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

Are Text Messages Admissible in Court?
Play video

Are Text Messages Admissible in Court?

Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte answer if text messages are admissible in court. This video is part of a series on your legal rights during police interactions.



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 your bank account looks like. In order to do so, we handle our billing in a way to make it realistic and affordable for everyday people, facing anything from DWIs to homicide charges.

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

  • Low deposits – We can get started on either felony or misdemeanor cases without a massive retainer.
  • Realistic bill structures – we’re understanding 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 criminal defense without breaking the bank. We build strong defenses, are available 24/7, and won’t stop 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 every one. Here are some of the most common charges we defend clients against:

    Are you up against something not on that list? Read through the complete list of Polo, MO, criminal charges we offer payment plans for, or get in touch today to discuss options for your case.


    Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans


    Combs Waterkotte Polo Criminal Defense Strategies

    At Combs Waterkotte, our mission is to get you the best possible outcome for your case, whatever that looks like. Whatever charge(s) you’re facing, we will put together 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 dropped and obtain favorable plea deals.

    Below are just a few of our many defense strategies we use to protect the rights of people in Polo, MO:


    Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans


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

    We’re not here to be stingy or put you in debt – we’re here to defend your freedom and your future. Our team of top-rated Polo, 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 want to give your case the attention it deserves, no matter what it is or what your finances look like. Let us defend your freedom and your credit.

    reach out online or call us at (314) 900-HELP today for a free consultation on your case, and to discuss payment plans that are right for you.

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