The author spotlight
Brett M.
Schwartz, Esq.
Founding Partner • Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
A Miami perspective on criminal defense, shaped by experience on both sides of the courtroom.
Explore the firm’s legal insights
Experience & areas of focus
DUI & traffic offenses
Experience with DUI prosecutions and the evidence behind a traffic stop.
Misdemeanors & felonies
A background spanning drug, theft, battery and other criminal charges.
Courtroom procedure
Trial experience in Miami-Dade County and Circuit Courts.
Behind the perspective
A career rooted in Miami’s courts.
Watching his father defend clients in Miami’s criminal courts sparked Brett’s interest in the law. He went on to become a prosecutor before moving into criminal defense.
Today, his work as a founding partner is grounded in understanding each client’s circumstances, proactive preparation and direct communication.
View Brett’s full attorney profile
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
- Early career
-
Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office
Served as an Assistant State Attorney, handling misdemeanor and felony cases and developing his criminal trial practice.
- Law school
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South Texas College of Law
Earned his Juris Doctorate; participated in trial advocacy and national mock trial competitions.
- Undergraduate
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University of Miami • 1994
Earned his bachelor’s degree and co-founded the University’s Pre-Legal Society.
- Professional service
-
The Florida Bar
Appointed to a grievance committee, where he served for three consecutive years.
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.
Will a Petit Theft Charge Affect Employment in Daytona Beach?
January 18, 2026
Will a petit theft charge affect your job in Daytona Beach? Learn what employers may see on background checks, arrest vs. conviction, and next steps
Read MoreHow Florida Defines Drug Trafficking in Daytona
December 17, 2025
Learn how drug trafficking in Florida is defined by weight, the penalties involved, and why early legal guidance in Daytona, FL, can influence your case.
Read MoreFederal vs. State Drug Charges: When a Case Becomes Federal
December 17, 2025
Learn when drug charges become federal, how agencies like the DEA get involved, and why early defense matters. Visit our blog to read more.
Read MoreCan Drug Charges Be Dropped if Evidence Was Collected Illegally?
December 8, 2025
Illegally obtained evidence may lead to drug charges being dropped in Florida. Learn how suppression motions can protect your rights in Daytona Beach.
Read MoreAttorney John Hager of Hager & Schwartz Featured in Coverage of Flagler County Crash Case
November 8, 2025
We are proud to share that our own John Hager was quoted in a recent article by Fox News –
Read MoreWhat Is a Confidential Informant and How Can They Impact Your Drug Case?
October 5, 2025
Learn how confidential informants are used in Florida drug cases, the risks of entrapment, and how a lawyer can challenge unreliable testimony.
Read MoreUnderstanding Open Container Laws in Florida: What You Need to Know
June 8, 2025
Learn what Florida’s open container law means, who it applies to, and how a simple citation can impact your driver’s license. Read our blog for more.
Read MoreWhat Is Burglary of Conveyance?
May 12, 2025
Facing a burglary of conveyance charge in Florida? Learn what it means, how it differs from auto theft, and why early legal help is crucial. Read on for more.
Read MoreCan You Get a DUI on a Golf Cart?
March 24, 2025
Can you get a DUI on a golf cart in Florida? Yes, and the penalties are just as severe as in a car. Read our blog to learn 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.
