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
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Recommended reading from Hager & Schwartz, P.A. Explore the questions that arise during an investigation, in court and after a criminal charge.
What It Means to Be a Felon in Possession: Understanding Federal Law
January 13, 2023
Under federal law, a felon in possession is someone who owns a firearm after being convicted of a crime punishable by 1 year or more in prison. Read on for more.
Read MoreWhat Makes Evidence Inadmissible in a Criminal Case?
December 28, 2022
Our Broward County defense attorneys explain three reasons for why evidence may be inadmissible in criminal court.
Read MoreWhat is the Best Defense for a Sexual Assault Charge?
October 4, 2022
Our team at Hager & Schwartz explain how you might combat a sexual assault accusation.
Read MoreHow To Handle False Sex Crime Accusations
October 3, 2022
Our defense attorneys give tips for what to do after being falsely accused of a sexual offense in Florida.
Read MoreHow Can You Be Charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Florida?
September 16, 2022
You could be charged with assault with a deadly weapon if you threatened to harm another person and were armed with a deadly weapon. Read on for more.
Read MoreCan I Be Charged if I Didn’t Know My Weapon Was Stolen?
September 2, 2022
Our Broward County attorneys explain if you could be held responsible for a stolen firearm, even if you didn’t steal it.
Read MoreFirearms Enhancements: What You Need to Know
September 2, 2022
Our Broward County defense attorneys explain how firearms can affect your criminal case and potential sentence.
Read MoreIs Jail Time Possible After a Disorderly Conduct Conviction?
August 4, 2022
Disorderly conduct is a relatively minor charge, but what are the penalties for this offense in Florida?
Read MoreShould I Resist an Unlawful Arrest?
August 4, 2022
Our Fort Lauderdale attorneys explain if you have the right to resist an unlawful arrest.
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.
