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.
Is Resisting an Officer a Felony in Florida?
September 30, 2020
Depending on whether or not violence was used during the commission of the offense, resisting an officer can be a misdemeanor or felony. Read on for more.
Read MoreWhat Are My Rights When in Police Custody?
September 11, 2020
When an arrest happens, it’s critical that the person in custody understands their rights. Hager & Schwartz, P.A. explains.
Read MoreFlorida Arrest FAQs
September 10, 2020
If you are worried about how to deal with an arrest and the related criminal charges, Hager & Schwartz, P.A. has the answers you are looking for.
Read MoreIs THC Vaping a Crime in Florida?
August 31, 2020
In Florida, possessing THC is a crime. Thus, using a vape loaded with a cartridge containing the substance is also illegal. Read our blog to learn more.
Read MoreWhat’s the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor?
August 13, 2020
The punishments are different even though the crimes may be similar. Hager & Schwartz, P.A. explains the differences between a felony and a misdemeanor.
Read MoreWhat Is the Felony Murder Law?
July 31, 2020
Can someone be charged with murder even if they weren’t the one who killed the other individual? Under the felony murder law, yes. Read on for more.
Read MoreDomestic Violence and Social Media
July 1, 2020
Our Volusia domestic violence defense attorneys explain everything you need to know about social media and your pending domestic violence charges on our new blog. Read more here:
Read MoreCan You Face Felony Charges for Shooting a Pellet Gun?
June 30, 2020
Depending on where and how you use your pellet gun, you could be charged with a couple of felony-level offenses. Visit our blog to learn more.
Read MoreWhat’s Considered Stalking and What Makes It Aggravated?
May 30, 2020
Stalking is when someone follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another. There are four instances when it becomes an aggravated offense. Read on for more.
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.
