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.

Browse all articles

Do Bench Warrants Expire?

August 17, 2020

Once the court has issued a bench warrant, the police can show up and arrest you at any time. Hager & Schwartz, P.A. explains what you need to know to protect yourself.

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What to Do If You Have an Outstanding Bench Warrant

August 7, 2020

Having an outstanding bench warrant is a stressful experience for anyone. Hager & Schwartz, P.A. explains what will happen and what you can do to improve your situation.

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What Is a Bench Warrant?

August 3, 2020

Bench warrants give law enforcement the power to arrest someone who has violated a rule of the court. Hager & Schwartz, P.A. explains what you should do if you get one.

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Can I Go to Jail for Unemployment Fraud?

July 27, 2020

In Florida, unemployment fraud is a serious crime that can result in a prison sentence. Visit our blog to learn more.

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How Social Media Activity Can Lead to Statutory Rape Charges

May 25, 2020

Social media lets you connect with other people, but if one of them is a minor and your interactions become sexual, you could face charges. Read on for more.

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A Digital Witness: Domestic Violence & Social Media

May 1, 2020

Our Broward criminal defense attorneys explain everything you need to know about posting to social media while dealing with domestic violence charges on our new blog.

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Is It Illegal for an Adult to Send Nudes to a Minor?

April 27, 2020

In Florida, it’s unlawful for an adult to transmit explicit images to a minor. Visit our blog to learn more about this third-degree felony offense.

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Can I Get In Trouble for Selling Counterfeit Merchandise?

March 31, 2020

Under state and federal laws, if you knowingly sell trademarked goods or services, you could be charged with a crime. Visit our blog to read more.

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A Violation of Probation for a Traffic Citation — Legal or Not?

March 25, 2020

Our Broward criminal defense attorneys explain whether or not a traffic citation can lead to a violation of probation on our latest blog.

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When reading isn’t enough

Let’s talk about your situation.

A criminal charge is personal. Speak with our team about the facts of your case in a free, confidential consultation.

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