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.
Why Do People Lie About Domestic Violence?
September 3, 2021
Domestic violence accusations are always taken seriously. However, they aren’t always true.
Read MoreLong-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction
September 3, 2021
Not only are you facing jail time, fines, and probation, but you are also facing employment, immigration, and travel restrictions.
Read MoreDetermining BAC
August 4, 2021
Learn more about what BAC means, how it is calculated, and what factors may cause you to have a higher BAC than expected.
Read MoreHow Does Florida Handle Out-Of-State DUIs?
August 3, 2021
If you are arrested for DUI while on vacation, your home state will likely be alerted.
Read MoreAlternative Sentencing For Drug Crimes
August 3, 2021
Probation, community service, and drug court programs are all ways nonviolent drug offenders can avoid incarceration.
Read MoreWhat You Need To Know: Resisting Arrest
July 2, 2021
A resisting arrest charge, in addition to other criminal charges, can lead to increased fines and more jail time.
Read MoreIs Breastfeeding Indecent Exposure?
July 2, 2021
Florida laws protect breastfeeding mothers from indecent exposure charges.
Read MoreOpen Carry in Florida
June 2, 2021
Open carry is only prohibited in five states. Learn more about if Florida is one of them.
Read MoreCybercrime In Florida
June 2, 2021
Learn about how Florida categorizes and punishes internet crime.
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.
