Introduction

Andrew Buda spent years prosecuting thousands of cases before switching sides, and that prosecutorial perspective now forms the foundation of his criminal defense practice. Buda Law operates from 3002 W. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33609, reachable at (813) 322-2832, handling criminal defense matters from misdemeanors to federal charges alongside personal injury representation. As a former prosecutor, Buda understands how the state builds its cases, which informs how he dismantles them.

The firm extends its reach through attorneys Veronica Buda, Julie Adue, and administrative support from Maia Vatinelle, providing comprehensive coverage across Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and the broader Tampa Bay area.

Practice Areas

Buda Law concentrates on criminal defense across a wide spectrum of charge types, with additional representation in personal injury.

Violent Crimes

The firm defends clients facing arson, assault and battery, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, felony battery, child abuse, homicide, kidnapping, domestic violence, and hate crime charges. Violent crime charges carry severe consequences and require defense counsel who prepares thoroughly from the first day of representation.

Sex Crimes

Buda Law defends against indecent exposure, statutory rape, prostitution, lewd and lascivious behavior, child pornography, sexual battery, capital sexual battery, and voyeurism charges. Sex crime allegations carry particularly severe potential consequences including registration requirements that persist long after any sentence, making early and vigorous defense critical.

Theft Crimes

The firm handles the full range of theft matters: shoplifting, petit theft, grand theft, carjacking, robbery, armed robbery, and burglary. Each charge carries different elements and potential penalties, and the firm analyzes the specific facts of each case to identify the strongest available defense.

Drug Crimes

Drug charge representation covers possession, possession with intent to sell, marijuana cultivation, drug manufacturing, trafficking, and prescription fraud. The firm understands how law enforcement builds drug cases and identifies vulnerabilities in search procedures, chain of custody, and evidence handling.

White-Collar Crimes

The practice handles fraud, wire fraud, healthcare fraud, identity theft, extortion, embezzlement, and money laundering. White-collar investigations often begin long before charges are filed, and early legal involvement can significantly affect case outcomes.

Federal Crimes

Buda Law handles federal charges including RICO charges and human trafficking, representing clients in federal proceedings where the stakes and procedural demands differ substantially from state court.

DUI Defense

DUI defense covers all offense levels, from first-time charges through felony DUI cases with serious consequences for driving privileges, employment, and freedom.

Juvenile Defense and Expungement

The firm provides juvenile defense representation and assists eligible clients with expungement to clear qualifying records and remove barriers to employment and housing.

Personal Injury

Beyond criminal defense, Buda Law handles personal injury cases with a focus on car accidents throughout the Tampa area.

Attorney Profiles

Andrew Buda is the firm’s founder and principal attorney. As a former prosecutor with years of trial, courtroom, and negotiation experience, he has prosecuted thousands of cases and brings that institutional knowledge to his defense work. Clients praise his connections and relationships with the court system, his financial flexibility in working with clients, and his ability to make each client feel like a priority. His approach to every case includes thorough preparation as if it will go to trial, even when settlement or dismissal is the more likely outcome.

Veronica Buda serves as attorney alongside the founding partner, contributing to the firm’s criminal defense and personal injury practice.

Julie Adue also serves as attorney at the firm, adding additional legal depth to the Tampa practice.

Maia Vatinelle serves as administrative assistant, supporting the firm’s operations and client management.

Location and Service Area

Buda Law is located at 3002 W. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33609. Phone: (813) 322-2832. The firm serves clients throughout Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and the broader Tampa Bay region.

The firm’s website is at budalaw.com/

Client Focus

Buda Law’s defining characteristic is Attorney Buda’s prosecutorial background. Having prosecuted thousands of cases before transitioning to defense, he understands the prosecution’s case-building strategy, evidentiary requirements, and pressure points in ways that career defense attorneys who have never prosecuted cannot fully replicate. This perspective shapes how the firm analyzes cases and identifies defensible weaknesses.

The firm emphasizes preparing every case as if it is going to trial, maintaining ongoing open communication with clients, and providing result-oriented advocacy with strong negotiation skills. Free consultations are available, and the firm works with clients on financial flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Andrew Buda’s background before founding the firm?
Attorney Andrew Buda is a former prosecutor who prosecuted thousands of cases before establishing Buda Law. His prosecutorial experience provides insight into how the state builds its cases, which informs his defense strategy.

What types of criminal cases does Buda Law handle?
The firm handles violent crimes, sex crimes, theft crimes, drug crimes, white-collar crimes, federal crimes including RICO and human trafficking, DUI defense at all levels, juvenile defense, and expungement matters.

Does the firm handle federal charges?
Yes. Buda Law handles federal charges including RICO and human trafficking cases in addition to state criminal matters.

Who are the attorneys at the firm?
The legal team consists of Andrew Buda (founder), Veronica Buda, and Julie Adue. Maia Vatinelle serves as administrative assistant.

What geographic area does the firm serve?
Buda Law serves clients throughout Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and the broader Tampa Bay area from its Tampa office.

Does the firm handle personal injury cases?
Yes. In addition to criminal defense, the firm handles personal injury cases with a focus on car accidents in the Tampa area.

Closing

Buda Law brings a former prosecutor’s perspective to criminal defense in Tampa, with a legal team that covers the full spectrum from misdemeanor charges to serious federal matters. Attorney Andrew Buda’s approach of preparing every case for trial, combined with an understanding of how the prosecution thinks, provides clients with defense counsel who approaches each case from both sides of the courtroom.

Reach Buda Law at (813) 322-2832 or visit budalaw.com/ for a free consultation.