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
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
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South Texas College of Law
Earned his Juris Doctorate; participated in trial advocacy and national mock trial competitions.
- Undergraduate
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University of Miami • 1994
Earned his bachelor’s degree and co-founded the University’s Pre-Legal Society.
- Professional service
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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.
What Is an Arthur Hearing?
March 24, 2025
Are you facing a non-bondable offense in Florida? Learn how an Arthur hearing can determine your eligibility for bail. Read more on our blog.
Read MorePerjury Charges in Florida: Laws, Penalties, and Defenses
March 1, 2025
Perjury is a felony in Florida. Find out what constitutes perjury, the legal consequences, and how a defense attorney can help.
Read MoreUnderstanding Search Warrant Exceptions: When Police Can Search Without One
February 2, 2025
Explore the critical exceptions to the search warrant requirement and learn when police can legally conduct searches without a warrant.
Read MoreTop 5 Most Common Spring Break Arrests in Florida (and How to Avoid Them)
February 2, 2025
From public intoxication to drug possession, learn about the most common spring break arrests in Florida and how to avoid trouble.
Read MoreJohn S. Hager Offers Commentary on High-Profile Cruise Ship Arrest
January 2, 2025
Founding partner John S. Hager of Hager & Schwartz, P.A. was featured in a recent USA Today article regarding a
Read MoreIS FLORIDA A STOP AND ID STATE?
October 16, 2024
Explore Florida’s stop and ID laws to understand when you must show your ID to law enforcement and how these rules affect your rights during a police stop.
Read MoreInsider Trading Allegations: Legal Strategies for the Accused
September 26, 2023
Read our blog to learn about the complexities of insider trading laws and the severe penalties you could face.
Read MoreFederal Sentencing Guidelines for Drug Trafficking Offenses
June 21, 2023
The Federal Sentencing Guidelines for drug trafficking offenses are complex and vary depending on the case’s specific circumstances. Read our blog for more.
Read MoreThe Importance of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
March 20, 2023
Hiring a criminal defense attorney right away, even before charges are filed, can help build a case against allegations. Visit our blog to read more.
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.
