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
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.
Hager & Schwartz, P.A. Named a 2026 Best of Florida Winner
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Guide to Florida has named Hager & Schwartz, P.A. a 2026 Best of Florida winner in the Criminal Defense Firms
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Can mental health be used as a defense in a criminal case? Learn how Florida law treats insanity, competency, and sentencing mitigation.
Read MoreInsurance Fraud Investigations in Florida: SIU, Recorded Statements, and Common Traps
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Learn how insurance fraud investigations in Florida work, including SIU reviews, recorded statements, and when charges may follow.
Read MoreDigital Search Warrants in Sex Crime Investigations: What Florida Defense Lawyers Challenge
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Digital search warrants play a major role in sex crime cases. Learn how devices are searched, common warrant flaws, and how defense lawyers challenge digital evidence.
Read MoreWhat Happens If I Miss a Theft Court Date in Volusia County?
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Failed to appear for a theft charge in Volusia County? Understand local court consequences, potential penalties, and how a defense attorney can help.
Read MoreWhen reading isn’t enough
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