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.
Vacation Gone Wrong: What To Do When You’re Facing Out-of-State Charges
June 2, 2022
Arrested while visiting Florida? Hager & Schwartz can help.
Read MoreCan a Prior Conviction Affect Your Current Criminal Case?
April 14, 2022
If you have one or more prior felonies on your record, you could be looking at enhanced penalties if you’re convicted of another crime. Read on for more.
Read MoreCan The Police Use My Dashcam Footage Against Me?
April 4, 2022
Florida police can usually seize this evidence one way or another.
Read MoreWhat is the Entrapment Defense?
March 4, 2022
Our Volusia attorneys explain the entrapment defense.
Read MoreYour Rights with Police
March 4, 2022
Here’s what you should know about your rights when interacting with Florida police.
Read MoreWhat You Should Know About Accomplice Liability
February 3, 2022
Our Daytona Beach lawyers explain accomplice liability.
Read MoreWhat is Double Jeopardy?
January 4, 2022
Learn more about being charged with the same crime twice.
Read MoreWhat Evidence is Used to Prove Assault?
December 2, 2021
Learn more about the kind of evidence prosecutors typically present in these cases.
Read MoreWhen reading isn’t enough
Let’s talk about your situation.
A criminal charge is personal. Speak with our team about the facts of your case in a free, confidential consultation.
