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.
When Are Juveniles Tried As Adults?
June 2, 2021
In serious cases, juveniles can be waived to the adult criminal system.
Read MoreInsurance Fraud: What You Need To Know
May 11, 2021
Understand cases of hard and soft fraud, as well as what penalties you may be facing if you’re convicted.
Read MoreWhat Classifies Domestic Violence As A Felony?
May 11, 2021
Penalties significantly increase when you are charged with a felony instead of a misdemeanor.
Read MoreHow to Avoid an Accidental Hit and Run
March 25, 2021
Sometimes hit and runs are unpreventable. But if you are the driver and are thinking about leaving the scene of an accident, follow these tips to make sure you don’t face more trouble down the road.
Read MoreCultivation of an Illegal Substance: What You Need To Know
February 18, 2021
Cultivation and manufacturing of an illegal or illicit substance is an area that has vastly expanded its penalties and statutes over the last few decades. Here’s what you need to know on the issue.
Read MoreWhat Are The Penalties of Drug Transportation?
February 16, 2021
Being convicted of an offense like drug transportation can result in serious ramifications. States like Florida, in particular, have a low tolerance for these types of crimes.
Read MoreWhat Are The Florida Drug Schedules?
January 27, 2021
Each state has different laws, penalties, and rules about drugs and controlled substances. Florida has traditionally been more strict than other states when it comes to criminal charges relating to controlled substances.
Read MoreDrug Distribution Vs. Drug Trafficking
December 28, 2020
Florida is one of the strictest states in the US for illegal substances. This means that Florida has more harsh consequences for drug charges. Read more here!
Read MoreHow Do I Handle a Shoplifting Arrest?
October 19, 2020
Shoplifting is considered a very serious crime in Florida and may result in large fines and months in jail.
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.
