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Waverly, MO

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Last Updated: January 23, 2026

Waverly, 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. Navigating the MO legal process is an immense challenge all on its own. But for most people facing allegations, the challenges start before you even make it into the courtroom: How are you going to afford a defense attorney?

As scary of a question as it is, there is an answer: You can still hire a top-quality Waverly criminal defense attorney to protect your freedom. At Combs Waterkotte, we can set up tailored 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 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’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 on all cases, and can guide you from there.

Below, we discuss the typical expenses of criminal defense attorneys in Waverly, how payment plans can help make your defense more affordable, the features of our payment plans, and more. You can navigate to a specific point using the below links:

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


How Much Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Cost in Waverly?

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. Criminal defense case costs range from a couple of thousand dollars to as much as $25,000 for intricate felony cases. MO lawyers, in particular, tend to cost a bit above normal for the United States.

What About Public Defenders? Or Self-Representation?

Considering those costs, it may be tempting to opt for a public defender or representing yourself. But don’t rush into that decision – there are major risks and roadblocks if you go with either of those routes. To get a public defender in Waverly, there are certain eligibility requirements that you must fit to qualify.

Even if you are allowed to hire one, by opting for a public defender over a private attorney, you’re drastically decreasing your chances of the prosecution dropping the case. They’re also more likely to push you to accept plea deals, which causes unfavorable results for you.

Tragically, even if you have a great public defender, it’s unlikely to help you – unfortunately, due to their low resources and colossal workloads, they just aren’t able to give your case the attention it needs.

Going it alone can be even worse, though: Even for something as minor as 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 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 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.
  • Type 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: 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: 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. 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 hiring a premium legal defense team for your case not only possible, but reasonable.



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How Does Plea Bargaining Work?

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Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri

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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 the justice you deserve, no matter who you are and what situation you are in. In order to do so, we structure our fees 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 – 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 take cash, 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 staunch defenses, are in reach 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 are proud to be MO’s leading criminal defense firm for numerous case types, and offer payment plans for all of them. Below are some of the popular allegations we defend people against:

    Is your charge not one of the ones listed above? Search the complete list of Waverly, MO, criminal charges we offer payment plans for, or reach out now to discuss what we can do for your case.


    Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans


    Combs Waterkotte Waverly Criminal Defense Strategies

    When you hire us, our goal is find the most positive outcome for your case, whatever it is. Whatever you’re up against, we’re going to create a trial-ready, fearless defense that intimidates the state and impacts juries. We also leverage 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 might use to defend you in Waverly, MO:


    Criminal Defense Lawyers With Payment Plans


    Facing Criminal Charges in Waverly, 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 protect your life and your future. Our team of top-rated Waverly, MO, criminal defense lawyers has defended over 10,000 cases 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 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 bank account.

    Get in touch online or call us at (314) 900-HELP now for a free evaluation fo your case, and to talk about payment plans that will work for you.

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