Dontae L. Buck
- Senior Associate Attorney
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Practice Areas:
- Criminal Defense
- Civil Protective Orders
Biography
When facing criminal charges, you deserve an attorney who prepares thoroughly, communicates honestly, and fights for every advantage the law provides. Dontae L. Buck believes effective representation requires hard work, careful preparation, and strategic advocacy.
Mr. Buck is a Virginia attorney with extensive experience representing individuals charged with serious criminal, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses. He currently practices with Coates & Tyree, PLLC, and brings a unique perspective to his practice based on his experience as a Magistrate, prosecutor, and criminal defense attorney.
Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Buck served as a Magistrate for the 12th Judicial District, where he developed a strong foundation in Virginia criminal law, criminal procedure, and the judicial process. He later served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond and Hanover County, handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to complex felony matters in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, General District Court, and Circuit Court. During his time in Hanover County, he was among the first Black Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys in the county.
After his prosecutorial career, Mr. Buck served as a Senior Associate Attorney at Peters Law Firm, PLLC, representing clients facing complex criminal charges, civil protective orders, and serious traffic offenses.
Mr. Buck now practices with Coates & Tyree, PLLC, where he focuses on criminal and traffic defense throughout Virginia. He draws on his experience as a Magistrate, prosecutor, and defense attorney to evaluate cases, identify legal issues, and develop effective defense strategies. His experience in these distinct roles gives him a broad understanding of Virginia’s criminal justice system, courtroom procedures, and the challenges individuals face when accused of a crime.
At every stage of the legal process, Mr. Buck is committed to standing firmly beside his clients. He understands that a criminal charge can have lasting consequences for a person’s freedom, family, career, and future. He takes the time to listen, understand the circumstances of each case, and develop a strategy tailored to his clients’ needs. His commitment is simple: to protect his clients’ rights, provide honest guidance, prepare relentlessly, and pursue every lawful opportunity on their behalf. Every client deserves an attorney who is prepared to fight for them—and Mr. Buck is committed to doing exactly that.
Education
- University of Richmond, School of Law, Richmond, Virginia
- J.D.
- Hampden Sydney College, Farmville, Virginia
- B.A.
Bar Admission
- Virginia, 2022
- Virginia Supreme Court, 2022
- Court of Appeals of Virginia, 2022
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 2024
Languages
- English
Professional Associations
- Virginia Indigent Defense Commission Certification for Court-Appointed Counsel, Member
- Hill Tucker Bar Association, Member

