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.
The World’s Oldest Profession: Prostitution
May 11, 2021
The criminalization of prostitution is a controversial topic in America.
Read MoreCan I Be Charged If I Technically Didn’t Commit The Crime?
May 11, 2021
You’re not in the clear just because you didn’t physically commit the crime.
Read MoreWhat Does an Accusation of Grand Theft Auto Mean in Florida?
March 25, 2021
Broward County attorneys answer your questions about grand theft auto and defend you with power and skill against charges of motor vehicle theft.
Read MoreWhat You Need To Know About Accidental Misuse Of A Firearm
February 18, 2021
Whether a weapon was mishandled, unknowingly fired, or another miscellaneous circumstance has arisen, you are better off knowing about the laws surrounding misuse of a firearm.
Read MoreWhat Are Florida’s Restrictions On Gun Ownership?
February 16, 2021
Florida enforces several laws prohibiting or restricting the manufacture, transportation, transfer, sale, or possession of certain firearms and other dangerous weapons.
Read MoreWhat Is Considered Sale Of Controlled Substance?
January 27, 2021
If you are charged with this crime, it can fall under possession with intent to distribute or a similar drug distribution charge. Individuals are often accused of this if police find bags or containers with a controlled substance.
Read MoreHow To Handle Tax Evasion Charges In Florida
January 21, 2021
Tax evasion charges, unfortunately, can be very common to those who forget to file their taxes. People often feel like they can’t pay the amount the government requires, or they may have just been too distracted to file their return. Whatever the case may be, the federal government and IRS takes tax violations very seriously.
Read MoreWhat Should You Do When Charged With Identity Theft?
January 14, 2021
A person’s identity is unique, and it acts like a fingerprint for bank accounts, credit reports, and very important life details. Identity theft is defined as a crime that involves one person stealing or using another person’s identity or personal information in a way that includes fraud and deception for monetary gain.
Read MoreWhat Constitutes Money Laundering?
December 28, 2020
Money Laundering is considered a federal white-collar crime; however, there are also separate state laws that make legislation around what constitutes it.
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.
