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Smithville, MO

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Last Updated: January 23, 2026

Smithville, MO, Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans. When the government makes allegations against you, you’re probably already stressed out. Navigating the MO legal process is an immense challenge all on its own. But for most people facing allegations, you’re facing another hurdle outside of the legal system to overcome: How are you going to afford a lawyer?

You have options: You can still get a top-quality Smithville criminal defense lawyer to defend your rights. At Combs Waterkotte, we can set up tailored payment plans so that you can get premium legal representation 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 – at Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting an award-winning team of expert criminal defense lawyers.

Here, we’re outlining the potential advantages of a payment plan, but if you need to get started on your defense right away, call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online – we offer free consultations on all cases, and can figure out the details when we talk.

On this page, we go over the typical expenses of criminal defense attorneys in Smithville, the advantages of payment plans, the features of our payment plans, and more. You can jump to a specific section below:

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


How Expensive Are Criminal Defense Attornies in Smithville?

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 intricate felony cases. MO lawyers, in particular, tend to cost slightly above average for the United States.

What About Public Defenders? Or Self-Representation?

With bills that high, it may be tempting to opt for a public defender or representing yourself. But don’t rush into that decision – there are major drawbacks to both of those choices. To get a public defender in Smithville, there are certain eligibility requirements that you must fit to qualify.

Even if you are eligible, picking a public defender instead of a private defense lawyer signficicantly decreases your chances of the state dropping the case. Public defenders also frequently negotiate subpar plea deals, which leads to unfavorable results for you.

Tragically, even if you have a great public defender, it’s unlikely to help you – unfortunately, because of their low support and colossal workloads, they can’t give every case the time it deserves.

Trying to navigate the Smithville, MO, legal process on your own is often even worse, though: Even if you’re only facing a traffic ticket, you need a lawyer to protect yourself from unseen costs. We’ve had a client who paid a ticket without speakign to a traffic lawyer, and it cost her $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 main ones to be aware of:

  • Location: Urban cases tend to be more expensive than rural cases, due to the increased complexity of the legal system.
  • Kind of Charge: Felony allegations normally cost less than misdemeanor allegations. 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: 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: If your defense requires specialized work, for example, hiring an expert forensic analyst as a witness, you will likely have to pay more.

What Difference Will a Payment Plan Make?

Payment plans can make a massive difference for defendants facing criminal allegations. Because there isn’t a large upfront cost, more people can hire a lawyer without going bankrupt.

The best payment plans are customizable, so that your lawyer can adapt to your needs and find a way that works for you.

Most people go through life without thinking about the need to hire a defense attorney, and we get that. They’re not setting up their budget to prepare for defense allegations. 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.



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Play video

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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.

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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 …

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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 …

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Play video

Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri

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Play video

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How Combs Waterkotte’s Payment Plans Protect Your Wallet

At Combs Waterkotte, we want your rights to be protected, 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 attainable and affordable for everyday people, facing everything from DWIs to murder charges.

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

  • Low deposits – our down payments for both felonies and misdemeanors are affordable.
  • Realistic bill structures – we’re flexible 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 – know what you’re paying and what you’re getting for it up front.

Get a top-quality criminal defense without going broke. We build staunch defenses, are in reach 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 are proud to be MO’s leading criminal defense firm for numerous case types, and offer payment plans for each of them. Here are some of the most common charges we defend clients against:

    Is your charge not one of the ones listed above? Look at our complete list of Smithville, MO, criminal charges we offer payment plans for, or set up an appointment to go over options for your case.


    Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans


    Combs Waterkotte Smithville Criminal Defense Strategies

    When we defend you, our mission is to get you the best possible outcome for your case, whatever that looks like. No matter what situation you’re in, we will create 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 dropped and secure favorable plea deals.

    Want to learn more about how we do it? These are some typical defense strategies we use to protect the rights of people in Smithville, MO:


    Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans


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

    We’re not here to empty your bank accounts or put you in debt – we’re here to defend your freedom and your future. Our team of expert 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 help good people in bad situations, both legal and financial. Let us protect your freedom and your bank account.

    reach out online or call us at (314) 900-HELP now for a free consultation on your case, and to go over payment plans that will work for you.

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