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.
Will a Petit Theft Charge Affect Employment in Daytona Beach?
January 18, 2026
Will a petit theft charge affect your job in Daytona Beach? Learn what employers may see on background checks, arrest vs. conviction, and next steps
Read MoreHow Florida Defines Drug Trafficking in Daytona
December 17, 2025
Learn how drug trafficking in Florida is defined by weight, the penalties involved, and why early legal guidance in Daytona, FL, can influence your case.
Read MoreFederal vs. State Drug Charges: When a Case Becomes Federal
December 17, 2025
Learn when drug charges become federal, how agencies like the DEA get involved, and why early defense matters. Visit our blog to read more.
Read MoreCan Drug Charges Be Dropped if Evidence Was Collected Illegally?
December 8, 2025
Illegally obtained evidence may lead to drug charges being dropped in Florida. Learn how suppression motions can protect your rights in Daytona Beach.
Read MoreAttorney John Hager of Hager & Schwartz Featured in Coverage of Flagler County Crash Case
November 8, 2025
We are proud to share that our own John Hager was quoted in a recent article by Fox News –
Read MoreWhat Is a Confidential Informant and How Can They Impact Your Drug Case?
October 5, 2025
Learn how confidential informants are used in Florida drug cases, the risks of entrapment, and how a lawyer can challenge unreliable testimony.
Read MoreUnderstanding Open Container Laws in Florida: What You Need to Know
June 8, 2025
Learn what Florida’s open container law means, who it applies to, and how a simple citation can impact your driver’s license. Read our blog for more.
Read MoreWhat Is Burglary of Conveyance?
May 12, 2025
Facing a burglary of conveyance charge in Florida? Learn what it means, how it differs from auto theft, and why early legal help is crucial. Read on for more.
Read MoreCan You Get a DUI on a Golf Cart?
March 24, 2025
Can you get a DUI on a golf cart in Florida? Yes, and the penalties are just as severe as in a car. Read our blog to learn more.
Read MoreWhen 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.
