CLEARWATER CRIMINAL ATTORNEY
Aggressively Fighting for the Best Possible Outcome
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers in Clearwater & Pinellas County, Florida
If you’ve been arrested or are facing criminal charges, what you do next matters. Having a Clearwater criminal attorney on your side can make a real difference in protecting your rights and your future. At Buda Law, we aggressively fight for people accused of crimes in Clearwater, FL, and across Pinellas County, including St. Petersburg, Largo, Pinellas Park, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Seminole, and other nearby areas.
Whether you’re dealing with misdemeanor charges or a serious felony offense, our legal team builds strong defense strategies and pursues the best possible results in every criminal case.
If you or a family member needs legal representation in Clearwater, FL, call (813) 322-2832 or click the link below to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose Andrew Buda for Your Clearwater Criminal Defense Attorney?
When you choose Attorney Andrew Buda as your Florida criminal attorney, you’re getting a strong legal advocate with real experience on both sides of the courtroom.
As a former state prosecutor, Andrew knows firsthand how the state’s attorney prepares and presents criminal cases. He now uses that experience to stand up for people accused of crimes in Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and beyond. With a strong understanding of local courts and legal procedures, he develops effective defense strategies tailored to each client’s specific needs.
More About Andrew Buda & Buda Law
A Tampa native, Andrew earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law while working full-time as a middle school teacher. His teaching background sharpened his ability to break down complex legal issues and communicate them in a way that clients and juries can easily understand—a skill that sets him apart in the courtroom and at the consultation table.
Before founding his own law firm, Andrew worked as a state prosecutor, gaining firsthand insight into how criminal law cases are built and tried. He handled more than 30 trials involving DUIs, domestic battery, and a wide range of felony charges. That experience gives him a valuable edge when defending clients against criminal convictions.
Whether you’re facing charges or need help understanding your legal options, Andrew offers a free consultation to discuss your concerns and legal needs. Reach out today to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, FL who knows the system from both sides.
Benefits of Working With a Former Prosecutor
Having a former prosecutor as your criminal defense attorney offers several benefits:
- INSIDE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROSECUTION’S STRATEGY:
A former criminal prosecutor knows how the state’s attorney builds cases, what evidence they rely on, how they question witnesses, and how they push for convictions. This gives your attorney the ability to anticipate their next move and prepare a stronger defense.
- UNDERSTANDING OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM:
Former prosecutors have years of experience working within the criminal justice system. They understand court procedures, judge expectations, and how to effectively negotiate with prosecutors.
- ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS:
Having worked with local law enforcement, judges, and court staff, a former prosecutor often has valuable professional connections that can help move your criminal case forward more efficiently.
- STRONGER DEFENSE STRATEGIES:
With knowledge of both sides of criminal law, a former prosecutor-turned-criminal defense lawyer can identify weak points in the prosecution’s case and use that to their advantage, whether it’s seeking reduced charges, a plea deal, or getting charges dropped altogether.
These benefits make a former prosecutor like Andrew Buda a strong choice for anyone looking for effective legal representation in Clearwater, FL.
Cases Our Clearwater Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle
The Clearwater criminal defense lawyers at Buda Law handle various criminal defense cases in Pinellas County, FL. From juvenile delinquency cases to federal white-collar crimes, our legal team has a proven track record of successfully defending clients facing serious criminal charges.
FLORIDA MISDEMEANORS & FELONY OFFENSES
We understand how being accused of a crime can negatively impact your future, no matter how big or small the charge is. That’s why we defend against both misdemeanor charges and felony crimes in Florida with the same level of commitment and care.
For misdemeanor offenses, such as petit theft or probation violations, we focus on resolving the case quickly while protecting your record and your reputation. For serious felony charges, like drug trafficking and violent crimes, we build strong defense strategies and push for the best possible outcome, whether that’s a plea deal, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing.
From a first- or second-degree misdemeanor to a life-altering felony offense, our goal is always to protect your rights, minimize the potential penalties, and provide strong, reliable legal representation.
CLEARWATER DUI ATTORNEY
Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Pinellas County can lead to severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and the loss of your driver’s license. At Buda Law, our criminal defense attorneys provide strong legal representation for any DUI-related offense.
A first-offense DUI may seem minor, but it can still result in a criminal record and license suspension. We also defend more serious cases such as repeat DUIs, DUI manslaughter, or DUI charges that involve significant property damage or bodily injury.
If you’re under 21 and charged with an underage DUI, or if you’re accused of refusing a breathalyzer test, you could face automatic driver’s license suspension and other penalties.
Florida DUI defense attorney Andrew Buda helps clients fight the charges, protect their driving privileges, and even apply for a hardship license in Pinellas County when needed. We focus on defending your rights and helping you avoid the long-term impact of a DUI conviction.
CLEARWATER DRUG CRIME DEFENSE
Our Clearwater criminal defense lawyers represent clients charged with all types of drug offenses, including:
- Drug possession charges in Pinellas County
- Drug trafficking charges in Pinellas County
- Drug manufacturing charges in Pinellas County
- Prescription fraud charges in Pinellas County
- Marijuana cultivation charges in Pinellas County
The state of Florida takes drug crimes seriously, and a conviction can carry years of imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. As an experienced Florida drug crime lawyer and former state prosecutor, Attorney Andrew Buda knows how to challenge the evidence against you and protect your best interests.
CLEARWATER VIOLENT CRIME LAWYER
Violent crimes are among the most serious offenses under Florida law and often come with serious penalties. Even if the accusation is false, the damage to your life and reputation can be lasting.
At Buda Law, our Florida violent crimes lawyers are committed to defending your rights and working to keep you from being convicted of a crime you didn’t commit. We represent clients who are facing charges such as:
Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law allows individuals to use force, even deadly force, if they reasonably believe it’s necessary to protect themselves or another person from serious harm. Our criminal defense attorneys will examine every detail of your criminal case to see if the Stand Your Ground Law can be used to support your defense. We aim to expose weak or unfair evidence and develop a solid legal strategy to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
CLEARWATER SEX CRIMES DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Sex crime charges in Clearwater, FL, can lead to significant penalties, including prison time and mandatory Florida sex offender registration. If you’re under investigation or have been arrested in Pinellas County, it’s essential to act quickly. We provide aggressive defense for those accused of:
- Sexual battery
- Statutory rape
- Lewd and lascivious behavior
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
Sex crime accusations can ruin your career, damage your reputation, and follow you for life. If convicted, being placed on the sex offender registry can severely limit your ability to find housing, secure employment, and maintain personal relationships. That’s why our sex crime defense attorneys work to fight the charges against you. We understand how much is on the line, and we’re committed to helping you move forward with your life.
CLEARWATER THEFT CRIMES & PROPERTY CRIMES
Our Clearwater criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing a range of theft crimes and property offenses. Whether you’re accused of stealing merchandise or involved in a more serious offense like grand theft or arson, having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference.
We defend clients charged with:
- Shoplifting
- Grand theft
- Petit theft
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Armed robbery
- Identity theft
- Fraud
- Criminal mischief
- Arson
As a seasoned theft crime lawyer in Florida, Attorney Andrew Buda fights to protect your rights and keep your record clean. Our law firm works hard to get charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.
CLEARWATER WHITE COLLAR CRIMES
White-collar crimes can involve accusations of financial fraud, computer-related offenses, or the misuse of sensitive information. These offenses may not include physical violence, but they are treated just as seriously, and many are prosecuted at the state and federal levels. A conviction can lead to years in prison, asset forfeiture, and long-term damage to your reputation and career.
Our Florida white collar crime attorneys represent clients charged with the following:
- Embezzlement
- Credit card fraud
- Wire fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Money laundering
- Cybercrime
Because white-collar cases often involve detailed investigations and aggressive prosecutors, it’s essential to have an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how these cases are handled. Attorney Andrew Buda, a former criminal prosecutor, gives you the edge you need when you’re up against these criminal charges.
CLEARWATER GUN CRIMES LAWYER
Gun charges carry harsh penalties in Florida, especially if the firearm is used during the commission of another crime. Under Florida Statute 775.087, judges are required to impose mandatory minimum prison sentences when a gun is involved in certain crimes.
This law applies to a range of felony offenses, including murder, robbery, drug trafficking, arson, sexual battery, and domestic violence crimes such as aggravated child abuse. These sentencing enhancements leave little room for leniency, and the state’s attorney will often push for the harshest penalties possible.
At Buda Law, we defend clients facing these high-stakes charges. We also represent clients accused of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
Florida weapons and firearms lawyer Andrew Buda is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds these cases. He uses that insight to question the evidence, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and fight to protect your rights from start to finish.
CLEARWATER JUVENILE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER
If your child has been arrested in Clearwater, FL, it’s important to take the situation seriously. Charges like underage drinking, curfew violations, theft, or drug possession can have long-term effects if not handled properly.
At Buda Law, we understand how important it is to protect your child’s future and keep a juvenile record from affecting school, jobs, and other opportunities. Our Florida juvenile criminal defense attorneys work with families across Pinellas County to fight charges, reduce penalties, and seek outcomes that keep kids on the right path.
CLEARWATER FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Some crimes may involve specific elements that necessitate the case be handled at the federal level rather than by the state. A case may become federal if it crosses state lines, involves federal agencies, or breaks specific federal laws.
Our law office defends clients in Clearwater, FL, and throughout Pinellas County who are facing federal criminal charges, including serious offenses like RICO charges (racketeering and organized crime) and human trafficking. U.S. attorneys prosecute these cases and often come with harsher penalties. Federal defense attorney Andrew Buda has the experience to handle these high-level cases and fight back against aggressive federal prosecution.
The Criminal Justice Process in Pinellas County
If you’ve been accused of a crime in Pinellas County, it’s important to understand what comes next. After the arrest, you’ll go through booking and may be held in pretrial detention in Florida until your initial appearance before a judge. During that hearing, the judge reviews your charges and decides whether to set bail or keep you in custody.
The next step is arraignment, where you’ll enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. After that, your attorney can file pre-trial motions, examine the evidence, and begin negotiations with the state’s attorney, which may result in a plea deal.
As a former prosecutor, Attorney Andrew Buda understands the inner workings of the Florida criminal justice system. That background provides him with helpful insight into how the state builds cases and how to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s approach. This experience can give you an advantage when it comes to building a strong defense.
If your case goes to trial, we’ll develop a courtroom strategy designed for your specific situation. And if there is a conviction, we’ll also discuss post-trial options, such as appeals, to continue fighting on your behalf.
What To Do If You’ve Been Arrested in Clearwater, FL
When you’ve been arrested in Clearwater, FL, the most important thing you can do is avoid answering questions without a criminal defense attorney present. You may feel pressured to provide law enforcement with an immediate response, but remember that you have the right to remain silent. Talking to police without legal guidance can hurt your case, even if you believe you’re innocent.
Also, try to preserve any evidence that could help your defense, including the names and contact information of any witnesses. The details in police reports may not always be accurate, so protecting your side of the story is important.
Finally, contact Buda Law right away. Our legal team will review your situation, explain your legal options, and take action to defend your rights from the start.
Facing Criminal Charges in Pinellas County? Call Experienced Clearwater Criminal Attorney Andrew Buda Today
If you’re facing criminal charges in Pinellas County, don’t wait to seek legal representation. At Buda Law, we understand what’s at stake and will aggressively fight to protect your rights and your future. Attorney Andrew Buda is a former state prosecutor who now defends individuals like you, with many of his former clients trusting him to handle their most serious legal matters.
We offer a free initial consultation to review your case and help you understand your legal options. Call (813) 322-2832 or contact us online to get started today.
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WHAT MAKES OUR DEFENSE SO EFFECTIVE?
- Former State Prosecutor
- Highly Responsive & Accessible
- Result-Oriented Advocacy
- We Prepare Every Case as if it's Going to Trial
- Personal Representation Centered Around You
- Exceptional Negotiator