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.
What Is an Arthur Hearing?
March 24, 2025
Are you facing a non-bondable offense in Florida? Learn how an Arthur hearing can determine your eligibility for bail. Read more on our blog.
Read MorePerjury Charges in Florida: Laws, Penalties, and Defenses
March 1, 2025
Perjury is a felony in Florida. Find out what constitutes perjury, the legal consequences, and how a defense attorney can help.
Read MoreUnderstanding Search Warrant Exceptions: When Police Can Search Without One
February 2, 2025
Explore the critical exceptions to the search warrant requirement and learn when police can legally conduct searches without a warrant.
Read MoreTop 5 Most Common Spring Break Arrests in Florida (and How to Avoid Them)
February 2, 2025
From public intoxication to drug possession, learn about the most common spring break arrests in Florida and how to avoid trouble.
Read MoreJohn S. Hager Offers Commentary on High-Profile Cruise Ship Arrest
January 2, 2025
Founding partner John S. Hager of Hager & Schwartz, P.A. was featured in a recent USA Today article regarding a
Read MoreIS FLORIDA A STOP AND ID STATE?
October 16, 2024
Explore Florida’s stop and ID laws to understand when you must show your ID to law enforcement and how these rules affect your rights during a police stop.
Read MoreInsider Trading Allegations: Legal Strategies for the Accused
September 26, 2023
Read our blog to learn about the complexities of insider trading laws and the severe penalties you could face.
Read MoreFederal Sentencing Guidelines for Drug Trafficking Offenses
June 21, 2023
The Federal Sentencing Guidelines for drug trafficking offenses are complex and vary depending on the case’s specific circumstances. Read our blog for more.
Read MoreThe Importance of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
March 20, 2023
Hiring a criminal defense attorney right away, even before charges are filed, can help build a case against allegations. Visit our blog to read more.
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.
