"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.
Misdemeanor Defense Attorney Serving Bartow, Lakeland, and Central Florida
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Lakeland Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer - Criminal Law
Experienced Misdemeanor Defense attorney providing 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 misdemeanor defense lawyer, Robert A. Norgard.
Fighting To Get Misdemeanor Charges Dismissed
It is a common and dangerous misconception that misdemeanor charges are "minor" legal issues that do not require serious defense. In the State of Florida, a misdemeanor conviction is a permanent criminal record. It can result in up to a year inside a county jail, thousands of dollars in fines, court-ordered counseling, driver's license suspensions, and a stigma that can derail your employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
If you or a loved one has been arrested or issued a criminal notice to appear, you must treat the situation with the gravity it deserves. At the Law Office of Robert A. Norgard, located in Bartow, Florida, we apply the exact same level of aggressive advocacy, meticulous investigation, and courtroom skill to misdemeanor cases as we do to high-level felonies. We serve clients throughout Bartow, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Haines City, and all surrounding areas of Polk County and Central Florida.
Experience is Important when Facing Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanor cases in Polk County often move through the court system rapidly. Prosecutors frequently press defendants to accept quick plea deals before they fully understand their options or the long-term collateral consequences. Working with an experienced litigator ensures your constitutional rights are protected from day one.
The Elite Defense Advantage: Attorney Robert A. Norgard has been Board-Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar since 1995 and has tried over 200 criminal jury trials.
Fewer than 1% of Florida lawyers achieve board certification, which identifies Mr. Norgard as an expert in trial advocacy. Whether negotiating an outright dismissal with the State Attorney's Office or defending your innocence before a jury, his decades of local courtroom experience give you a distinct advantage.
About Misdemeanor Crimes in Florida
Under current Florida Statutes, misdemeanor offenses are divided into two primary categories based on severity. The penalties escalate dramatically if you have prior convictions or if the offense involves specific statutory aggravating factors:
Second-Degree Misdemeanors (F.S. § 775.082 / § 775.083)
These are the least severe criminal charges in Florida, but they still carry a permanent criminal record and the potential for incarceration.
- Maximum Penalties: Up to 60 days in county jail, up to 6 months of probation, and up to $500 in fines.
- Common Examples: Simple assault, criminal mischief (damage under $200), disorderly conduct, and driving without a valid license.
First-Degree Misdemeanors (F.S. § 775.082 / § 775.083)
The majority of misdemeanor arrests fall under this more serious tier, carrying substantial maximum penalties.
- Maximum Penalties: Up to 1 year in county jail, up to 1 year of probation, and up to $1,000 in fines.
- Common Examples: Simple battery, domestic violence battery, possession of marijuana (under 20 grams), possession of drug paraphernalia, petit theft (property valued under $750), and driving under the influence (DUI).
Our Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Services
We provide comprehensive defense representation across a wide range of misdemeanor offenses, including but not limited to:
- Domestic Violence Battery: Florida law requires strict, mandatory penalties for domestic violence, including a minimum of 5 days in jail if there is bodily injury, and a mandatory 26-week Batterers' Intervention Program (BIP). A conviction also strips you of your right to possess firearms.
- Drug & Paraphernalia Possession: Possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis or any item classified as drug paraphernalia (pipes, grinders, baggies) are First-Degree Misdemeanors that can impact your student financial aid and employment.
- Petit Theft & Shoplifting: Theft of property valued under $750 is classified as a misdemeanor. However, under Florida law, a second petit theft charge can be upgraded, and a third petit theft conviction can be charged as a Third-Degree Felony.
- Assault and Battery: Assault involves an intentional threat to do violence, while battery involves actual intentional physical touching or striking against a person's will.
- Criminal Traffic Violations: Charges like Driving While License Suspended, Cancelled, or Revoked (DWLSR), Reckless Driving, and leaving the scene of an accident are criminal offenses—not standard civil traffic tickets—and require a criminal defense appearance.
An arrest does not guarantee a conviction. We meticulously audit the state’s evidence, police bodycam footage, and witness statements to build a robust defense. Depending on the facts of your case, our goal is to pursue the best possible resolution:
- Pretrial Diversion Programs (PTD): For eligible individuals with minimal or no prior criminal history, we actively negotiate for entry into state-sponsored diversion programs. If you successfully complete the program's terms (such as community service or classes), the State Attorney will dismiss all charges, allowing you to legally pursue an expungement of your arrest record.
- Motion to Suppress Evidence: If local law enforcement pulled you over, searched your pockets, or entered your home without a valid warrant, a legal exception, or reasonable suspicion, we will file a motion to throw out the illegally obtained evidence.
- Negotiating Mitigated Outcomes: When the state's evidence is strong, we work to secure withheld adjudications. A Withholding of Adjudication means the judge places you on probation or orders a fine but does not formally convict you of the crime, which is crucial for protecting your civil rights and future job applications.
No matter how minor you think your case might be, it is absolutely critical to your future. Do not walk into a Polk County courtroom alone to face seasoned state prosecutors. Put an experienced, Board-Certified criminal trial specialist by your side to protect your freedom, your livelihood, and your clean name.
Call 863-354-0508 today to schedule your Free Consultation with Lakeland misdemeanor defense attorney, Robert A. Norgard.
What Our Clients Say
"Experience, when experience counts."
