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
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
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State Prosecutor
Handled thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases and tried hundreds of cases to verdict in County and Circuit Courts.
- Law school
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Nova Southeastern University
Earned his Juris Doctorate; heavily involved in trial advocacy.
- Undergraduate
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University of Florida
Earned his undergraduate degree before pursuing a career in law.
- Professional service
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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.
Concerns Remain Over Chemical Field Tests & Drug Crime Cases
November 23, 2016
Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. discuss the use of field tests in drug crime cases.
Read MoreWhen Can Police Search Your Vehicle?
October 6, 2016
Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers at Hager & Schwartz, P.A. discuss when law enforcement can search your vehicle.
Read MoreHow Can DUI Charges or Convictions Affect Your Job?
October 26, 2015
Fort Lauderdale DUI attorneys discuss DUI consequences and how a charge or conviction can impact your career. If you’ve been arrested, call Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
Read MoreWill the Possession of Marijuana Be Considered a Civil Fine Rather Than a Misdemeanor?
October 20, 2015
On November 10, 2015, a final hearing regarding the charges and penalties for the possession of marijuana will take place. Learn more here.
Read MoreBroward County Reports Highest Number of Hate Crimes Per Year
May 15, 2015
Broward County has reportedly one of the highest numbers of hate crime cases. Hager & Schwartz, P.A. is especially committed to defending those accused of crimes.
Read MoreJohn Hager and Brett Schwartz Named 2015 Legal Elite Award Winners
April 10, 2015
Attorneys John Hager and Brett Schwartz were named 2015 Legal Elite by Florida Trend. Congratulations are in order for this prestigious award!
Read MoreWhen reading isn’t enough
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A criminal charge is personal. Speak with our team about the facts of your case in a free, confidential consultation.
