The author spotlight

Brett M.
Schwartz, Esq.

Founding Partner • Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

A Miami perspective on criminal defense, shaped by experience on both sides of the courtroom.

Explore the firm’s legal insights
Brett M. Schwartz, founding partner of Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida Criminal defense

Experience & areas of focus

DUI & traffic offenses

Experience with DUI prosecutions and the evidence behind a traffic stop.

Misdemeanors & felonies

A background spanning drug, theft, battery and other criminal charges.

Courtroom procedure

Trial experience in Miami-Dade County and Circuit Courts.

Behind the perspective

A career rooted in Miami’s courts.

Watching his father defend clients in Miami’s criminal courts sparked Brett’s interest in the law. He went on to become a prosecutor before moving into criminal defense.

Today, his work as a founding partner is grounded in understanding each client’s circumstances, proactive preparation and direct communication.

View Brett’s full attorney profile

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

Early career

Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office

Served as an Assistant State Attorney, handling misdemeanor and felony cases and developing his criminal trial practice.

Law school

South Texas College of Law

Earned his Juris Doctorate; participated in trial advocacy and national mock trial competitions.

Undergraduate

University of Miami • 1994

Earned his bachelor’s degree and co-founded the University’s Pre-Legal Society.

Professional service

The Florida Bar

Appointed to a grievance committee, where he served for three consecutive years.

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.

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A Best of Florida Win for Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

August 31, 2026

We would like to thank the Guide to Florida readers. Their votes have led to Hager & Schwartz, P.A. being

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What Evidence Is Needed to Prove White Collar Crimes?

May 25, 2026

White collar cases rarely hinge on a single piece of proof. They are built slowly, often quietly, through records, communications,

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Can Wire Fraud Charges Be Based on Emails Alone?

May 25, 2026

Emails can play a central role in federal wire fraud cases, but they are rarely the sole evidence. In many

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What Should You Do If Federal Agents Contact You?

May 3, 2026

What to do if federal agents contact you. Read our blog to learn your rights, risks, and how a lawyer can protect you before you speak.

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Mail Fraud vs Wire Fraud: Key Differences Prosecutors Use (and Defenses That Work)

April 5, 2026

Mail fraud vs wire fraud explained. Learn key differences, penalties, and defense strategies from a federal fraud defense lawyer.

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What Is a Proffer (“Queen for a Day”) in Federal Cases? And When It Backfires.

April 5, 2026

What is a proffer agreement in federal cases? Learn how “Queen for a Day” works, the risks involved, and when it can backfire.

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Federal Subpoenas in White Collar Cases: What They Mean and How to Respond

March 1, 2026

Received a federal subpoena? Learn what it means in white collar cases and how to respond before charges are filed.

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What Happens After a Federal Indictment in Florida?

February 28, 2026

What happens after a federal indictment in Florida? Learn what to expect next—arraignment, detention hearings, discovery, and sentencing exposure—in federal court.

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Is Entering an Unlocked Home Illegal in Florida?

January 18, 2026

Is entering an unlocked home illegal in Florida? Learn how intent, not forced entry, determines burglary charges and what Florida law actually says.

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When reading isn’t enough

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