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
-
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.
What Are Federal Sentencing Guidelines in Fort Lauderdale?
December 17, 2025
Learn how federal sentencing guidelines are calculated in Florida, what affects your range, and how our former prosecutors fight for reduced penalties.
Read MoreDrug Possession: Actual vs. Constructive in Fort Lauderdale
December 17, 2025
Learn how Florida handles actual and constructive drug possession and what matters when you had no knowledge of the substances in Fort Lauderdale cases.
Read MoreCan You Go to Jail for Using Someone Else’s Credit Card in Florida?
December 8, 2025
Unauthorized use of a credit card in Florida can result in felony charges and jail time. Learn penalties, defenses, and when to call a lawyer.
Read MoreCan a Probation Violation Be Dismissed?
October 5, 2025
Facing a probation violation in Fort Lauderdale? Read our blog to learn when charges may be dismissed and why fast action with a skilled attorney is essential.
Read MoreHow Investigators Detect False Documents in Bankruptcy Cases
August 17, 2025
Filing for bankruptcy is often a stressful and personal choice involving serious legal and financial effects. However, when documents submitted
Read MoreWhat Should I Do After a Gun-Related Charge in Florida?
July 13, 2025
Arrested for a gun charge in Florida? Learn what to do next and how a skilled defense lawyer can protect your rights and future. Free consultation.
Read MoreWhat’s the Difference Between Aggravated Assault and Battery in Florida?
June 8, 2025
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for a violent offense in Florida, you may have heard the terms
Read MoreWhat are the Penalties for Manufacturing Controlled Substances in Florida?
May 12, 2025
Facing drug manufacturing charges in Florida? Learn how penalties are determined, what defenses may apply, and how a lawyer can help protect your rights.
Read MoreWhat Is the Legal Blood Alcohol Limit for Boating in Florida?
April 28, 2025
Florida’s warm weather and expansive waterways make it one of the most popular places in the country for boating. Boating
Read MoreWhen 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.
