TAMPA CRIMINAL LAWYER

The job of a criminal defense lawyer is to represent individuals accused of committing a crime in state or federal court, working to protect their legal rights and secure the best possible outcome for them throughout the legal process.

There is a lot that goes into this, but their main duties include investigating the case, gathering evidence, and analyzing the facts to build a strong defense. They also guide clients through court proceedings, negotiate with prosecutors for plea deals when appropriate, and advocate on their behalf during trials, using their legal knowledge and experience to minimize penalties, challenge evidence, and ensure their clients receive a fair trial.

Without proper legal representation, individuals accused of a criminal act in Florida risk severe consequences, ranging from jail time and heavy fines to mandatory inclusion on the sex offender registry, depending on the nature of the charge. That’s why hiring an experienced Tampa criminal attorney like Andrew Buda at Buda Law can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. A knowledgeable defense attorney like Mr. Buda can thoroughly evaluate the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s claims, and identify any constitutional violations or procedural errors that could weaken the case against you.

At our law firm, we focus on building strong, personalized defense strategies that may include negotiating reduced charges, securing favorable plea agreements, or taking your case to trial if needed. We understand not only the impact criminal accusations (let alone a criminal conviction) can have on your life and future, and we are here to advocate for your best interests every step of the way.

If you’re facing criminal accusations, don’t wait to get help. Contact Buda Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can protect your rights from the moment you're charged until your case is resolved.

In many situations, yes, your Tampa criminal lawyer can go to court on your behalf, helping you manage the stress and confusion of facing criminal charges. For preliminary matters – such as initial appearances, bail hearings, arraignments, or pre trial motions – your attorney can often stand in for you, depending on the nature of the charges and the court’s specific rules.

In more serious proceedings, like felony trials or plea hearings involving serious consequences, your physical presence in court may be required. However, even in those situations, having a skilled defense attorney by your side can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and resolved.

This kind of legal support is especially valuable when you're unfamiliar with the legal system or uncertain about what to expect. Your lawyer’s role is to provide aggressive representation from start to finish, ensuring your rights are protected at every stage of the case – whether that means doing so on your behalf in court or standing alongside you.

The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney can vary widely based on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the legal issues, and the attorney’s experience. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for straightforward cases, while others use an hourly rate, especially for more complicated matters that require extensive investigation, expert testimony, or courtroom litigation. For example, straightforward misdemeanor cases might involve a flat fee, while more complex felonies or cases involving violent crimes could require hourly billing and may cost significantly more, sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

Additional costs may also arise, such as court filing fees, private investigators, expert witnesses, or specialized forensic testing, all of which may be necessary to build a strong defense.

If you're facing criminal charges, the best way to gauge how much you can expect to pay for your unique case is to schedule a case evaluation with a local criminal defense lawyer. Tampa criminal defense attorney Andrew Buda of Buda Law offers free consultations, allowing clients to discuss the facts of their case, explore legal strategies, and understand the fee structure before making any commitments.

To find the best Tampa criminal lawyer for you, start by researching attorneys who specialize in criminal law and have experience handling cases similar to yours. You can start by doing a simple Google search for “criminal defense lawyer near me” or, more specifically, “criminal defense attorney Tampa” (or wherever you are located). Look for attorneys with a strong track record, good client reviews, and a reputation for success in the courtroom. You can also ask for recommendations from trusted friends or family who may have found themselves in a similar situation to you.

If you find a lawyer (or multiple lawyers) who seem like a good fit for your case, it’s important to schedule a consultation with them where you can discuss your case, ask about their experience, and get a sense of their approach. The best attorney for you will be someone who is knowledgeable, extremely professional, communicates well, and makes you feel confident in their ability to represent you.

When meeting with a Tampa criminal attorney, ask questions that help you understand their experience, approach, and how they might plan to handle your case. Some good questions to ask include: 

• How many cases like mine have you handled? 
• What outcomes have you achieved in similar cases? 
• What is your strategy for defending my case? 
• How do you charge for your services, and what costs should I expect? 
• How often will we communicate, and who will be handling most of the work on my case? 

These questions can help you gauge the experience of your potential attorney and ensure you're comfortable with their approach.

As an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney, Andrew Buda of Buda Law provides aggressive defense in district, state, and federal courts. His legal practice covers a wide range of misdemeanor and felony offenses throughout Hillsborough County and Pinellas County, including serious allegations such as violent crimes, sex crimes, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, DUIs, theft crimes, domestic violence, juvenile offenses, cyber crimes, and more. He is also experienced in defending individuals against capital offenses and life felonies in Florida – cases that demand detailed preparation and skilled courtroom advocacy.

Beyond providing aggressive defense strategies, Buda Law also assists eligible clients with expungements and record sealing in Tampa. These services are crucial for individuals looking to clear their criminal records and move forward without the burden of past charges affecting employment, housing, or educational opportunities.

If you’re facing criminal charges in Tampa, FL or throughout Hillsborough and Pinellas County, working with experienced criminal defense attorneys like those at Buda Law can make a significant difference in your future.

Andrew Buda brings extensive experience in defending against a wide range of criminal offenses, from minor misdemeanors and state-level crimes to serious felonies and federal crimes. As the lead attorney at Buda Law, his background includes vigorously defending clients charged with everything from shoplifting to grand theft, indecent exposure to sexual battery, domestic violence to homicide, and more. Regardless of whether you’re currently facing charges for theft crimes or violent crimes, first-time DUIs, subsequent drug offenses, or serious sex crime accusations, the team at Buda Law has what it takes to secure the best possible outcome for your unique situation.

Mr. Buda takes a proactive approach to defense by challenging unlawfully obtained evidence and presenting defenses such as self defense when applicable. With years of courtroom experience and a reputation for being a tough advocate, Andrew Buda and the experienced criminal attorneys at his law firm have helped clients across Tampa, FL and the surrounding areas overcome complex legal challenges and successfully minimize the impact of criminal charges on their future.

Yes. At Buda Law, our attorneys are equipped to defend clients facing both misdemeanors and felonies at either the state or federal level. With our thorough understanding of legal procedures and strategic approach to defense, an experienced criminal defense attorney on our team can help ensure that each client receives the best possible defense regardless of the severity of the accusations.

With years of experience both as a former prosecuting attorney and a Tampa criminal lawyer, Andrew Buda of Buda Law delivers exceptional legal representation in district, state, and federal courts. Admitted to practice state law across the state of Florida and in the Middle District of Florida for federal crimes, Mr. Buda handles a wide range of criminal cases across Pinellas and Hillsborough County, FL. These include charges related to domestic violence, DUIs, probation violations, and more serious allegations such as sex offenses, white collar crime charges, and violent felonies.

Mr. Buda and his legal team are also equipped to represent clients during all phases of the legal process, from pre-trial detention hearings and criminal injunction proceedings to trial and post-conviction relief. For those eligible, our firm also provides services related to expungements and record sealing, helping clients move forward without the burden of a past criminal record.

Wondering if we can take on your case? The Buda Law firm offers a free initial consultation so you can discuss your situation, explore your legal options, and receive guidance from an experienced defense attorney without financial pressure upfront. Call today!

Andrew Buda brings extensive knowledge and a wealth of experience to even the most complex criminal cases. As a former prosecutor-turned-criminal defense attorney in Tampa, FL, his deep understanding of criminal law, coupled with years of successfully handling intricate legal matters within the Florida justice system and throughout the entire criminal process, allows him to effectively defend clients facing serious charges.

Whether it’s navigating complicated legal issues or developing strategic defenses, Andrew has the knowledge and skills to tackle high-stakes cases and fight aggressively to achieve favorable outcomes for his clients.

If you’re facing criminal charges, whether you were falsely accused or simply made a mistake, the sooner you hire an experienced Tampa criminal lawyer from Buda Law, the better. 

Early legal representation allows the team to thoroughly investigate the facts, gather crucial evidence, and build a strategic defense against your criminal accusations right from the start. Acting quickly can also help in negotiating with prosecutors and potentially reducing charges before they escalate further. 

At Buda Law, we understand how overwhelming it can feel when your freedom and future are on the line, which is why we offer a free consultation to help you understand your rights, legal options, and next steps. If you're under investigation or have been charged with a crime in Tampa, FL, don’t wait. Contact Buda Law today by calling (813) 322-2832 or reach out online and speak with a skilled defense attorney who will fight to protect your rights from day one.