John S. Hager

Brett M. Schwartz is the founding partner of Hager & Schwartz, PA, a criminal defense firm based in Miami, Florida. Drawing on years of experience as a prosecutor, he brings clients a comprehensive, inside-out perspective on Florida’s criminal justice system. He concentrates his practice on DUI/DWI defense and a broad spectrum of criminal matters, applying a meticulously proactive approach to every case and remaining readily accessible to those he represents.

Mr. Schwartz’s commitment to criminal defense was sparked at an early age by observing his father’s advocacy in Miami’s courts. Those formative experiences instilled in him a deep empathy for people facing legal challenges – and a determination to understand each client’s unique story. Today, he channels that passion into rigorous case preparation, strategic courtroom advocacy, and an unwavering effort to secure favorable outcomes, both in court and beyond.

A lifelong Miami resident, Mr. Schwartz graduated from the University of Miami in 1994, where he co-founded the Pre-Legal Society. He earned his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston, honing his trial skills in national mock trial competitions and intensive trial advocacy programs. Upon graduation, he joined the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office as an assistant state attorney, where he prosecuted thousands of cases – from DUI and drug offenses to robbery, sexual battery and complex felonies – and tried hundreds of matters to verdict in both county and circuit courts.

Beyond his courtroom work, Mr. Schwartz was appointed for three consecutive years to The Florida Bar’s grievance committee for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, reviewing professional conduct complaints. He serves on the board of directors of the Shaken Baby Alliance and is an active member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American Bar Association and the Dade County Bar Association. His peers have recognized him with an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell, a testament to his legal ability and ethical standards.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.