"The best possible team you could have on your side! The trial knowledge, the expertise, the professionalism, relate to you on your level with respect! This firm truly cares. I wouldn't trust any other attys! They are top notch and I highly recommend them! THANK YOU MR. CHASTANG FOR YOUR COMMITMENT AND HONESTY ABOUT REPRESENTATION.
Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Bartow, Lakeland, and Central Florida
Free Consultation
Lakeland Criminal Defense Lawyer - Criminal Law
Experienced Criminal Defense attorney providing Felony and Misdemeanor Criminal Law Legal Services in Bartow, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Haines City, Polk County, and the greater Central Florida area.
Call 863-354-0508 today to schedule a Free Consultation with criminal defense lawyer, Robert A. Norgard.
Vigorously Defending Your Rights And Freedom
An arrest or criminal investigation in Florida can instantly disrupt your life, threaten your employment, and place your personal freedom at risk. Local law enforcement agencies and state prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions, backed by immense state resources. When facing the power of the criminal justice system, you cannot afford to wait and see how the state builds its case. You must secure immediate, uncompromising legal counsel to protect your constitutional rights.
At the Law Office of Robert A. Norgard, located in Bartow, Florida, we believe every individual is entitled to a sophisticated, unyielding defense. Operating under the firm conviction that an arrest is not a guarantee of a conviction, we provide high-caliber criminal defense representation for clients facing state and federal charges in Bartow, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Haines City, and throughout Polk County and the greater Central Florida area.
Board-Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar since 1995
The Florida court system is incredibly complex, governed by rigid procedural rules and severe statutory sentencing parameters. Successfully navigating a criminal charge requires a lawyer who operates at the absolute peak of the legal profession.
Elite Peer Recognition: Attorney Robert A. Norgard has practiced as a dedicated criminal trial defense attorney for more than 40 years. He has been Board-Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar since 1995.
Board certification is a distinction held by fewer than 1% of practicing attorneys in Florida, identifying Mr. Norgard as an expert and specialist in criminal law. Reflecting his advanced legal acumen, he has served directly on The Florida Bar Criminal Law Board-Certification Committee and the Board of Legal Specialization and Education. Furthermore, he has been selected for inclusion in the prestigious list of Florida Super Lawyers consecutively every single year since 2005.
With a record that spans well over 200 criminal jury trials, including over 100 homicide cases, Mr. Norgard commands the deep respect of local judges, prosecutors, and peers alike.
Our Criminal Defense Legal Servicies
Felony Criminal Defense
Felonies are severe offenses carrying mandatory state prison sentences, massive fines, and the permanent loss of vital civil rights (such as voting and firearm ownership).
- Homicide & Capital Offenses: Strategic defense against Murder, Attempted Murder, Manslaughter, and DUI Manslaughter.
- Violent Crimes: Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Armed Robbery, and Carjacking.
- Weapons & Gun Crimes: Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Unlawful Discharge, and severe Felon in Possession of a Firearm allegations subject to Florida's 10-20-Life mandatory minimum laws.
- Drug Trafficking & Serious Drug Crimes: Possession with Intent to Sell, Manufacturing, and Drug Trafficking charges that carry strict, mandatory minimum prison sentences determined by the weight of the seized substance.
- Theft & Property Crimes: Grand Theft, Grand Theft Auto, Dealing in Stolen Property, and Burglary of a Dwelling (carrying up to 15 years in state prison).
- White-Collar & Economic Crimes: Organized Scheme to Defraud, Racketeering (RICO), Identity Theft, Embezzlement, and Corporate Fraud.
- Sexual Offenses: Sexual Battery and related high-stakes felony allegations carrying mandatory minimum sentences and lifetime sex offender registration.
- Computer & Cyber Crimes: Unauthorized Access, Online Fraud, and Internet-based offenses.
- Violations of Probation (VOP): Representing individuals accused of violating technical or substantive terms of felony probation, where standard bond rights do not apply.
Misdemeanor Crimes & Domestic Violence Defense
Misdemeanor convictions are processed rapidly in county courts, but they still result in a permanent criminal record, steep fines, and up to a year inside a local county jail.
- Domestic Violence Battery: Allegations involving family or household members, carrying mandatory jail minimums, firearms forfeiture, and a non-expungeable criminal record.
- Simple Assault & Battery: Unlawful physical touching, strikes, or threats of violence.
- Drug Possession: Possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis or possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Petit Theft & Shoplifting: Theft of money or property valued under $750.
DUI & Criminal Traffic Violations
A criminal traffic conviction can instantly cost you your driving privileges, inflate insurance premiums permanently, and result in mandatory jail or probation.
- Drunk Driving (DUI): First-time and repeat DUI offenses, breath test refusals, and felony-enhanced DUI cases.
- Driving While License Suspended, Revoked, or Cancelled (DWLSR): Criminal traffic defense to prevent permanent habitual traffic offender (HTO) status.
- Reckless Driving: Driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Post-Conviction Relief & Appeals
Post-conviction litigation requires a meticulous, exhaustive analysis of trial transcripts and constitutional law to challenge unfair verdicts or unlawful sentences after a trial has concluded.
- Rule 3.850 and Rule 3.800 Motions: Filing formal motions to vacate convictions, set aside sentences, or correct illegal sentences based on Ineffective Assistance of Counsel, Prosecutorial Misconduct, Involuntary Pleas, or Newly Discovered Evidence.
- Mr. Norgard’s expertise in this specialized field is so profound that he has been called upon to testify as an expert witness in post-conviction proceedings over 20 times.
We are ready to fight for you when accused or charged with a Crime in Florida
In Florida, the period immediately following an arrest—before formal charges are officially filed by the State Attorney's Office—is absolutely critical. By intervening early, we can thoroughly analyze police bodycam footage, identify constitutional Fourth Amendment violations (unlawful searches and seizures), and exploit gaps in the state's evidence.
For eligible individuals with minimal prior history, our deep knowledge of local court procedures allows us to actively pursue Pretrial Diversion Programs (PTD). Successfully completing a diversion program forces the prosecution to completely dismiss all charges, keeping your background check entirely clean and setting the stage for a total expungement of your arrest record.
No matter how large or small you believe your case to be, it is the most important matter in your world—and it is just as important to us. Do not walk into a Central Florida courtroom alone to face seasoned state prosecutors. Put a veteran trial lawyer and a Florida Bar Board-Certified Specialist in your corner to fight for your rights, your reputation, and your personal freedom.
Contact the Law Office of Robert A. Norgard today to schedule your free, in-depth legal consultation at our Bartow law office.
Call 863-354-0508 today to schedule your Free Consultation with Lakeland criminal defense attorney, Robert A. Norgard.
What Our Clients Say
"Experience, when experience counts."
