The author spotlight
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
Experience & areas of focus
Prosecution experience with DUI, domestic violence and battery cases, and the evidence they turn on.
A background spanning robbery, aggravated assault and battery, sexual battery, drug and theft offenses.
Hundreds of cases tried to verdict in County and Circuit Courts.
Behind the perspective
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 profileHandled thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases and tried hundreds of cases to verdict in County and Circuit Courts.
Earned his Juris Doctorate; heavily involved in trial advocacy.
Earned his undergraduate degree before pursuing a career in law.
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
Recommended reading from Hager & Schwartz, P.A. Explore the questions that arise during an investigation, in court and after a criminal charge.
We would like to thank the Guide to Florida readers. Their votes have led to Hager & Schwartz, P.A. being
Read MoreWhite collar cases rarely hinge on a single piece of proof. They are built slowly, often quietly, through records, communications,
Read MoreEmails can play a central role in federal wire fraud cases, but they are rarely the sole evidence. In many
Read MoreWhat 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.
Read MoreMail fraud vs wire fraud explained. Learn key differences, penalties, and defense strategies from a federal fraud defense lawyer.
Read MoreWhat is a proffer agreement in federal cases? Learn how “Queen for a Day” works, the risks involved, and when it can backfire.
Read MoreReceived a federal subpoena? Learn what it means in white collar cases and how to respond before charges are filed.
Read MoreWhat happens after a federal indictment in Florida? Learn what to expect next—arraignment, detention hearings, discovery, and sentencing exposure—in federal court.
Read MoreIs entering an unlocked home illegal in Florida? Learn how intent, not forced entry, determines burglary charges and what Florida law actually says.
Read MoreWhen reading isn’t enough
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