The author spotlight

John S.
Hager, Esq.

Founding Partner • Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

A South Florida perspective on criminal defense, shaped by hundreds of trials on both sides of the courtroom.

Explore the firm’s legal insights
John S. Hager, founding partner of Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
Former state prosecutor Criminal defense

Experience & areas of focus

DUI & domestic violence

Prosecution experience with DUI, domestic violence and battery cases, and the evidence they turn on.

Serious felony charges

A background spanning robbery, aggravated assault and battery, sexual battery, drug and theft offenses.

Trial experience

Hundreds of cases tried to verdict in County and Circuit Courts.

Behind the perspective

A career built in the courtroom.

John’s path to the courtroom began in law school, where he was heavily involved in trial advocacy. Immediately after graduating, he became a prosecutor and handled thousands of cases, from DUI and domestic violence to robbery, juvenile matters and probation violations, before moving into criminal defense.

Today, as a founding partner, he brings that understanding of how cases are built and prosecuted to every client he represents, along with a longstanding commitment to the South Florida criminal defense bar.

View John’s full attorney profile

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

Early career

State Prosecutor

Handled thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases and tried hundreds of cases to verdict in County and Circuit Courts.

Law school

Nova Southeastern University

Earned his Juris Doctorate; heavily involved in trial advocacy.

Undergraduate

University of Florida

Earned his undergraduate degree before pursuing a career in law.

Professional service

Broward County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Served as Vice President from 2000 to 2005 and as President in 2015; has also served on a Florida Bar grievance committee.

From the firm’s blog

Make sense of what comes next.

Recommended reading from Hager & Schwartz, P.A. Explore the questions that arise during an investigation, in court and after a criminal charge.

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A Best of Florida Win for Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

August 31, 2026

We would like to thank the Guide to Florida readers. Their votes have led to Hager & Schwartz, P.A. being

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What Evidence Is Needed to Prove White Collar Crimes?

May 25, 2026

White collar cases rarely hinge on a single piece of proof. They are built slowly, often quietly, through records, communications,

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Can Wire Fraud Charges Be Based on Emails Alone?

May 25, 2026

Emails can play a central role in federal wire fraud cases, but they are rarely the sole evidence. In many

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What Should You Do If Federal Agents Contact You?

May 3, 2026

What to do if federal agents contact you. Read our blog to learn your rights, risks, and how a lawyer can protect you before you speak.

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Mail Fraud vs Wire Fraud: Key Differences Prosecutors Use (and Defenses That Work)

April 5, 2026

Mail fraud vs wire fraud explained. Learn key differences, penalties, and defense strategies from a federal fraud defense lawyer.

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What Is a Proffer (“Queen for a Day”) in Federal Cases? And When It Backfires.

April 5, 2026

What is a proffer agreement in federal cases? Learn how “Queen for a Day” works, the risks involved, and when it can backfire.

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Federal Subpoenas in White Collar Cases: What They Mean and How to Respond

March 1, 2026

Received a federal subpoena? Learn what it means in white collar cases and how to respond before charges are filed.

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What Happens After a Federal Indictment in Florida?

February 28, 2026

What happens after a federal indictment in Florida? Learn what to expect next—arraignment, detention hearings, discovery, and sentencing exposure—in federal court.

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Is Entering an Unlocked Home Illegal in Florida?

January 18, 2026

Is entering an unlocked home illegal in Florida? Learn how intent, not forced entry, determines burglary charges and what Florida law actually says.

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When reading isn’t enough

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