Fees for Services
By Missouri state law, the Public Defender must charge a fee for public defender services. Fees are charged per case based on the fee schedule set by the Public Defender Commission. See the Fee Schedule for details.
A client cannot be denied a public defender because of inability to pay the fee. Your ability to pay will not affect the quality of representation you receive.
When you apply for public defender services, the application will include the schedule of fees from which your fee will be determined. Either during or at the end of your case, your public defender will provide you with a Public Defender Fee Assessment form advising you of your exact fee.
You are expected to make voluntary payments — either as a single payment or in installments of reasonable amounts — when you are financially able to meet all or some part of the costs of services provided by the Public Defender.
Your income tax refunds and lottery winnings can be intercepted by the State of Missouri to pay for public defender fees.
Payment Options
You can make payments using any of the following options. You will need to know the case number(s) of the case(s) you are paying for:
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By mail: Mail a personal check or money order payable to
Missouri State Public Defender
to: Missouri State Public Defender
P.O. Box 10282
Columbia, MO 65205
If you have the Public Defender Fee Assessment form, please include the payment stub found at the bottom of the form. You may still pay by mail even if you no longer have the form.
- Online: Use a credit card, debit card, or electronic bank draft. A convenience fee applies. Visit Paying Online for more information.
Don’t Know Your Case Number?
You can look up public case numbers by visiting Missouri Case.net or by calling the Public Defender at 1-573-777-9944.
Questions About Fees and Account Balances?
Please call 1-573-777-9944 if you have questions about public defender fees or client account balances.