Image

Smithville, MO

Verified Content

Last Updated: January 23, 2026

Smithville, MO, Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans. If you’re facing an arrest or criminal charge, you might think things can’t possibly get worse. You’re facing challenges that nobody wants to go through. But frequently, 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 Smithville criminal defense lawyer to protect your freedom. At Combs Waterkotte, we offer affordable and flexible payment plans so that you can get an elite team of attorneys without going bankrupt in the process. And being affordable doesn’t mean you’re getting a lesser defense – 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 in an emergency and need to discuss options with an expert, call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online – we offer free consultations to give you an idea of how we can help, and can decide on next steps after our call.

Below, we go over the costs of criminal defense lawyers in Smithville, the advantages of payment plans, how our payment plans work, and more. You can navigate to a specific section below:

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


How Much Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Cost 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. A case could cost anything 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?

Considering those costs, you might be thinking about looking for a public defender or trying to represent yourself. But don’t move too fast – there are major risks and roadblocks if you go with either of those routes. To get a public defender in Smithville, first, you need to meet the eligibility requirements.

Even if you are eligible, 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 push for plea deals, which causes 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 lack of funding and massive caseloads, they are in a spot where they can’t give clients’ cases the time they need.

Going it alone will probably be even worse, though: Even if you’re only facing a traffic ticket, you need a lawyer to warn you about hidden consequences. One of our clients 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?

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 watch out for:

  • Location: Urban cases tend to be more expensive than rural cases, due to the increased complexity of the legal system.
  • Type of Charge: Generally, misdemeanors are less expensive than felonies. Some defenses are also more expensive if the specific allegations carry a social stigma, like rape or other sex crimes.
  • Experience: You can expect more experienced lawyers to charge more for their quality of defense.
  • Hourly vs Flat: Hourly rates may seem cheaper at first, but can creep up over time. Each case is unique, but flat fees are more predictable and won’t have hidden 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.

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 are able to hire a lawyer 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.

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 account for the costs of a lawyer. Payment plans make top-rate criminal defense lawyers affordable for people when they need one most.



Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?
Play video

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?
Play video

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?
Play video

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?
Play video

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?
Play video

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 …

What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
Play video

What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?

What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …

Is the Death Penalty Possible in Federal Murder Cases?
Play video

Is the Death Penalty Possible in Federal Murder Cases?

Is the Death Penalty Possible in Federal Murder Cases? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss how the death penalty comes into play for federal murder cases. Interview …

What Is Federal Murder Or Federal Homicide?
Play video

What Is Federal Murder Or Federal Homicide?

What Is Federal Murder Or Federal Homicide? Andrew Russek, a leading criminal defense attorney with Combs Waterkotte, discusses the distinction between murder and homicide as it relates to federal …

Can Federal Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?
Play video

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?
Play video

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?
Play video

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?
Play video

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?
Play video

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 …

What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?
Play video

What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges?

What Are Federal Sex Crime Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss the most common federal sex crime charges. Interview Transcript Scott Michael Dunn: Well, let's …

Is the Death Penalty Possible in Federal Murder Cases?
Play video

Is the Death Penalty Possible in Federal Murder Cases?

Is the Death Penalty Possible in Federal Murder Cases? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss how the death penalty comes into play for federal murder cases. Interview …

What Is Federal Murder Or Federal Homicide?
Play video

What Is Federal Murder Or Federal Homicide?

What Is Federal Murder Or Federal Homicide? Andrew Russek, a leading criminal defense attorney with Combs Waterkotte, discusses the distinction between murder and homicide as it relates to federal …



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 homicide 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 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 – know what you’re paying and what you’re getting for it up front.

Get a top-quality criminal defense without breaking the bank. We build strong defenses, are in reach 24/7, and don’t give up until you get the justice you deserve.


Image

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.










    Read Book Online


    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 all of them. Here are some of the charges we regularly defend clients from:

    Are you up against something not on that list? Read through the complete list of Smithville, MO, criminal charges we offer payment plans for, or reach out now to talk about how we can make a plan for your case.


    Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans


    Combs Waterkotte Smithville Criminal Defense Strategies

    When you hire us, our mission is to get you the best possible outcome for your case, whatever that looks like. Regardless of the charges, our team will create a trial-ready, fearless defense that intimidates 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 use to protect the rights of people in Smithville, MO:


    Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans


    Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Smithville, MO? Low on Funds? Call Combs Waterkotte

    We’re not here to pinch pennies or put you in debt – we’re here to fight for your rights and your future. Our team of top-rated Smithville, MO, criminal defense attorneys 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 paycheck or case number. We help good people in bad situations, both legal and financial. Let us defend your freedom and your bank account.

    reach out online or call us at (314) 900-HELP now for a free evaluation fo your case, and to figure out payment plans that are right for you.

    Open Video
    Image

    Featured Results:

    Client Review, DUI Case

    Play video
    Image

    Get In Touch:

    St. Louis

    Main Office

    (314) 900-HELP

    Get Directions

    Clayton

    By Appointment Only

    (314) 900-HELP

    Get Directions

    Kansas City

    By Appointment Only

    (913) 77-CRIME

    Get Directions