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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What It Means to Be a Felon in Possession: Understanding Federal Law

January 13, 2023

Under federal law, a felon in possession is someone who owns a firearm after being convicted of a crime punishable by 1 year or more in prison. Read on for more.

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What Makes Evidence Inadmissible in a Criminal Case?

December 28, 2022

Our Broward County defense attorneys explain three reasons for why evidence may be inadmissible in criminal court.

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What is the Best Defense for a Sexual Assault Charge?

October 4, 2022

Our team at Hager & Schwartz explain how you might combat a sexual assault accusation.

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How To Handle False Sex Crime Accusations

October 3, 2022

Our defense attorneys give tips for what to do after being falsely accused of a sexual offense in Florida.

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How Can You Be Charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Florida?

September 16, 2022

You could be charged with assault with a deadly weapon if you threatened to harm another person and were armed with a deadly weapon. Read on for more.

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Can I Be Charged if I Didn’t Know My Weapon Was Stolen?

September 2, 2022

Our Broward County attorneys explain if you could be held responsible for a stolen firearm, even if you didn’t steal it.

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Firearms Enhancements: What You Need to Know

September 2, 2022

Our Broward County defense attorneys explain how firearms can affect your criminal case and potential sentence.

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Is Jail Time Possible After a Disorderly Conduct Conviction?

August 4, 2022

Disorderly conduct is a relatively minor charge, but what are the penalties for this offense in Florida?

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Should I Resist an Unlawful Arrest?

August 4, 2022

Our Fort Lauderdale attorneys explain if you have the right to resist an unlawful arrest.

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When reading isn’t enough

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A criminal charge is personal. Speak with our team about the facts of your case in a free, confidential consultation.

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