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.

Browse all articles

The Connection Between Alcohol and Assault

December 2, 2021

Alcohol can make people behave out of character. In some cases, this may lead to assault charges.

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Using Self-Defense As A Defense

December 2, 2021

You may be surprised how difficult it can be to successfully prove self-defense after a violent altercation.

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Is Cursing In Public Illegal?

November 12, 2021

Learn more about if cursing in public is a crime in Florida.

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What Is the Penalty for Cyberstalking?

November 10, 2021

The penalty you could face for cyberstalking depends on whether you have been charged with a state or federal crime. Read more on our blog.

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Voluntary vs. Involuntary Manslaughter Charges

November 7, 2021

Manslaughter and murder charges are two of the most severe criminal charges.

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Can I Get a DUI as a Passenger?

November 3, 2021

If you’re drunk in the passenger seat, is there any way you can be charged with DUI?

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What’s the Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter?

October 19, 2021

Although murder and manslaughter result in someone’s death, they are distinguished by the planning behind the act and the actor’s state of mind. Read on for more.

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Statutory Rape: The Close-In-Age Exemption

October 1, 2021

Young couples engaging in consensual sex are protected by the Romeo and Juliet exemption.

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Fighting a Title IX Accusation

October 1, 2021

If you are being accused of violating Title IX, you need strong defense on your side to prove your innocence.

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When reading isn’t enough

Let’s talk about your situation.

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