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.
The Connection Between Alcohol and Assault
December 2, 2021
Alcohol can make people behave out of character. In some cases, this may lead to assault charges.
Read MoreUsing Self-Defense As A Defense
December 2, 2021
You may be surprised how difficult it can be to successfully prove self-defense after a violent altercation.
Read MoreIs Cursing In Public Illegal?
November 12, 2021
Learn more about if cursing in public is a crime in Florida.
Read MoreWhat Is the Penalty for Cyberstalking?
November 10, 2021
The penalty you could face for cyberstalking depends on whether you have been charged with a state or federal crime. Read more on our blog.
Read MoreVoluntary vs. Involuntary Manslaughter Charges
November 7, 2021
Manslaughter and murder charges are two of the most severe criminal charges.
Read MoreCan I Get a DUI as a Passenger?
November 3, 2021
If you’re drunk in the passenger seat, is there any way you can be charged with DUI?
Read MoreWhat’s the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter?
October 19, 2021
Although murder and manslaughter result in someone’s death, they are distinguished by the planning behind the act and the actor’s state of mind. Read on for more.
Read MoreStatutory Rape: The Close-In-Age Exemption
October 1, 2021
Young couples engaging in consensual sex are protected by the Romeo and Juliet exemption.
Read MoreFighting a Title IX Accusation
October 1, 2021
If you are being accused of violating Title IX, you need strong defense on your side to prove your innocence.
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.
