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.
What’s the Difference Between Being an Accomplice and an Accessory After the Fact?
February 16, 2025
Learn the differences, legal consequences, and defense options for accomplices and accessories after the fact. Read our blog for more.
Read MoreWhat’s the Difference Between a No Contest and a Guilty Plea?
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Explore the critical differences between no contest and guilty pleas in criminal cases and understand their unique legal implications. Contact Hager & Schwartz, P.A. today!
Read MoreThe Role of Social Media in Spring Break Arrests: What You Post Could Get You in Trouble
February 2, 2025
Discover how social media impacts spring break arrests in Daytona Beach and contact the criminal defense attorneys Hager & Schwartz, P.A. for expert defense.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Miranda Rights: What You Need to Know When Facing an Arrest
October 6, 2024
Learn how Miranda Rights protect you during an arrest and how to effectively assert your rights to ensure a fair legal process.
Read MoreKey Elements in Defending Against Fraud Charges
October 27, 2023
Navigate the complexities of fraud charges with our comprehensive blog. Learn some of the critical elements of a strategic defense.
Read MoreNavigating Robbery Charges with Confidence
July 20, 2023
Facing robbery charges? Read our blog to learn how to build a strong defense strategy, gather evidence, and confidently navigate the legal process.
Read MoreWhat Should You Do If Charged with a Serious Crime?
April 26, 2023
If you have been charged with a crime, knowing your rights, understanding what you’ve been accused of, and hiring a defense lawyer are crucial. Read on for more.
Read MoreWhat Happens Immediately After a Domestic Violence Arrest?
January 27, 2023
Hager & Schwartz explain what happens immediately after being arrested for domestic violence.
Read MoreAm I Ever Required to Take Field Sobriety Tests?
November 23, 2022
Our Daytona Beach DUI defense attorneys explain the rules regarding chemical and field sobriety tests in Florida.
Read MoreWhen reading isn’t enough
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