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
Brett M. Schwartz, founding partner of Hager & Schwartz, P.A.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida Criminal defense

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

South Texas College of Law

Earned his Juris Doctorate; participated in trial advocacy and national mock trial competitions.

Undergraduate

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.

Browse all articles

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.

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What 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.

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Florida 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.

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Is 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.

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What’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.

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What 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.

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Domestic 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:

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Can 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.

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What’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.

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When reading isn’t enough

Let’s talk about your situation.

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