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.
Common Reasons Why Aggravated Assault Occurs
December 2, 2021
Tense situations can sometimes lead to disagreements getting out of hand and escalating to the point of assault.
Read MoreWhat You Should Know: Thanksgiving Weekend DUI
November 4, 2021
Stay safe this Thanksgiving weekend; avoid driving under the influence.
Read MoreIs Assault a Misdemeanor or Felony?
October 1, 2021
Depending on the details of the case, you may face either misdemeanor or felony charges
Read MoreFAQs about Probation Violations
September 3, 2021
If you have violated your probation, here is what you can expect.
Read MoreWhat You Should Know: False Allegations of Domestic Violence
September 3, 2021
Unfortunately, false accusations of domestic violence happen frequently. This puts the accused individual’s future at risk.
Read MoreIs Trafficking in Fentanyl Illegal in Florida?
August 5, 2021
In Florida, trafficking in fentanyl is illegal, and a conviction carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and high fines. Read on for more.
Read MoreBench vs. Arrest Warrants
August 3, 2021
Having a warrant out for your arrest is incredibly stressful. Hager & Schwartz can help.
Read MorePenalties for Repeat DUI in Florida
July 2, 2021
Criminal penalties increase significantly for each new DUI offense.
Read MoreThree Types of Field Sobriety Tests
June 2, 2021
Officers may use one-leg stand tests, walk and turn tests, and HGN tests to judge a driver’s sobriety.
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.
