"Experience, when experience counts."
Post-Conviction Relief Attorney Serving Bartow, Lakeland, and Central Florida
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Lakeland Post-Conviction Relief Lawyer - Criminal Law
Experienced Criminal Defense attorney providing Post-Conviction Relief 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 Post-Conviction Relief lawyer, Robert A. Norgard.
Knowledgeable Help With Post-Conviction Cases
A criminal conviction or an unfavorable sentencing ruling at trial is not necessarily the final word in your case. The American legal system provides vital pathways for individuals to challenge unjust verdicts, constitutional violations, and sentencing errors after a trial has concluded. However, post-conviction relief is not a second trial—it is a highly complex, specialized area of law governed by strict procedural rules and rigid deadlines.
Statistically, only a small percentage of state and federal post-conviction motions succeed. If you or a loved one is seeking to overturn a wrongful conviction or reduce an unlawful sentence, you cannot rely on standard defense strategies. You need a determined, highly analytical advocate who understands how to uncover hidden trial errors and present compelling constitutional arguments.
At the Law Office of Robert A. Norgard, located in Bartow, Florida, we possess the deep appellate and post-conviction experience required to handle these intricate proceedings throughout Polk County, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Haines City, and the greater Central Florida area.
When Expeience Matters
Post-conviction litigation requires a meticulous deconstruction of the original trial record, deep-dive investigations into evidence that was not presented, and an advanced understanding of evolving case law.
The Expert Advantage: Attorney Robert A. Norgard brings over 40 years of criminal defense experience to your side. He is Board-Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar, demonstrating an elite level of expertise recognized by judges and peers alike.
Furthermore, Mr. Norgard's reputation in this field is so well-established that he has been called upon to testify as an expert witness in post-conviction proceedings more than 20 times. This unique distinction means he knows exactly what courts look for when evaluating claims of trial errors or compromised constitutional rights. We also welcome inquiries and formal case referrals from fellow defense attorneys seeking specialized post-conviction co-counsel.
While a direct appeal challenges errors made by the judge during the trial based strictly on the existing record, post-conviction motions typically raise issues that require looking outside the original trial record. Under the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, the primary mechanisms for seeking relief include:
Rule 3.850 Motions: Vacating, Setting Aside, or Correcting a Sentence
A Motion for Post-Conviction Relief under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.850 is the primary tool used to challenge a felony conviction or sentence. This motion must generally be filed within two years of the date the conviction becomes final, though rare exceptions apply (such as newly discovered evidence). Common grounds for a Rule 3.850 motion include:
- Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: Demonstrating that your trial attorney’s performance fell below professional standards—such as failing to depose a critical witness, failing to object to highly prejudicial evidence, or failing to convey a favorable plea offer—and that this failure directly compromised the outcome of your case.
- Newly Discovered Evidence: Uncovering vital evidence that was unknown at the time of the trial, and which could not have been discovered through due diligence, that would likely produce an acquittal or a lesser sentence if a new trial were granted.
- Prosecutorial Misconduct: Proving that the state intentionally withheld exculpatory evidence (evidence favorable to the defense) in violation of the constitutional Brady rule.
- Involuntary Plea: Showing that your original guilty or no-contest plea was entered because you were misinformed, coerced, or did not fully understand the consequences of the plea.
Rule 3.800 Motions: Correcting an Illegal Sentence
Unlike a challenge to the conviction itself, a motion filed under Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.800 targets a sentence that violates Florida Statutes or constitutional limits. An illegal sentence motion can often be raised at any time if the court record reflects on its face that the sentence exceeds the maximum allowed by law, or miscalculates jail-time scoresheet credits.
Time is your absolute enemy following a conviction. Missing a filing deadline by even a single day can permanently forfeit your right to challenge a sentence or conviction, regardless of how strong your arguments are.
Beyond Florida’s strict state deadlines, individuals seeking federal review via a 28 U.S.C. § 2254 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus must adhere to an uncompromising one-year statute of limitations that runs concurrently with state-level exhaustion requirements. Our firm moves swiftly to audit trial records, preserve critical timelines, and build a legally sound foundation for state and federal relief.
When Seeking Post Conviction Relief, Experience May Be Essential
We understand the overwhelming stress and fear that families experience when a loved one is facing years or decades behind bars due to an unjust trial outcome or an overly harsh sentence.
When you retain the Law Office of Robert A. Norgard, you are securing the services of a well-established Central Florida law firm backed by the experience, investigative resources, and analytical precision necessary to challenge complex convictions. We treat every client with personalized attention, carefully reviewing every transcript and piece of discovery to fight for your freedom.
Do not give up hope, and do not let critical legal deadlines expire. If you or a family member needs experienced representation for a state or federal post-conviction matter in Bartow, Lakeland, Winter Haven, or anywhere in Central Florida, contact us today.
Call 863-354-0508 today to schedule your Free Consultation with Lakeland Post-Conviction Relief attorney, Robert A. Norgard.
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