John Stephen Hager

PRO

John Stephen Hager

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 26 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Daytona Beach, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

140 South Beach St., Suite 310, Daytona Beach, FL

Virtual Consultation Available

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

27 years

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2019 2018 2017
...
+ 3
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2012

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 26 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1999

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

140 South Beach St., Suite 310, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114

defendyourcase.com/Attorney_Profiles.aspx

Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

12 S.E. 7th St., Suite 611, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301

defendyourcase.com/Attorney_Profiles.aspx

Hager & Schwartz, P.A.

555 N.E. 15th St., Penthouse A, Miami, FL, 33132

defendyourcase.com/Attorney_Profiles.aspx

Online Presence

Other places you can find John online.

John Stephen Hager's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

87 Client Reviews

Posted by ME | January 7, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Clear Guidance in the U.S., Peace of Mind in Europe

John Hager helped us through a situation I would not wish on anyone. My brother was arrested in the U.S., and as a family we were overwhelmed. We are based in Europe, so dealing with the American legal system from abroad was overwhelming at times. From the start, John made everything clear and man...ageable. He stayed calm, explained what was happening and what the next step would be, and took our concerns seriously. And when things felt heavy, he sometimes added a joke at just the right moment. Small, but it made a big difference. It helped us breathe and it reassured us as a family. His approach was thoughtful and professional. We truly believe it helped achieve the best possible outcome. During the hearing, the judge even said that John had done very good work. We are genuinely grateful and would recommend John Hager without hesitation.

Posted by Ann | May 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

John S Hager ESQ

I contacted John S Hager to represent me in a case in Flagler County,FL. He answered my call immediately. He responded with honesty, care, compassion, and in precise detail, step by step, how he would proceed with my case. I followed the steps he outlined. John worked to resolve and expedite my ...case in a matter of days not weeks to have the case dismissed. I am extremely grateful for his hard work, kindness, ,and compassion throughout this process.

Posted by Ray Rapaglia | September 25, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

CEO

John Hager is an outstanding criminal lawyer. As the owner of a certified recovery facility, John understands substance abuse and mental health issues. John and James Club Recovery believe in treatment versus incarceration. I have worked with John on numerous occasions and have witnessed him getting ...second chances for deserving and willing individuals to turn their lives around. I highly recommend this skilled lawyer.

Posted by Kevin | January 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Attorney Experience Ever!!!!!!

I don’t have enough space to write all the ways Mr. Hager has gone over and above for our family. We were recently faced with an issue regarding our 70 year old father. He suffers from dementia and Alzheimers, to make a long story short he was arrested for the first time in his life. My parents retir...ed to Florida and us kids are scattered from Indiana to Texas. Mr. Hager was so patient with us all in repeating the same stories to us all during different calls. From the very first call he started working on our dads case. We were given his personal cell number and told to call whenever and for whatever, and we did. He always answered and was always patient with us as we’ve never been through anything like this before. He assured us he would get this taken care of. He went way above and beyond and worked diligently and had our fathers case thrown out in less than a week. He understood how time sensitive this matter was for us as our dad was scheduled to go to an assisted living facility and they wouldn’t allow him with a pending battery. Let me repeat IN LESS THAN A WEEK THE CHARGES WERE GONE!!! We were floored to get that call!! Mr. Hager treated us like we were his only clients and nothing else mattered than getting this fixed for our family. I can not express the amount of gratitude our family has for Mr. Hager and his team! I pray we never need him again but if we do we will NEVER call anyone else but him. We have told everyone in our family and friends how amazing he is. He made the worst event our family has had to deal with feel like it never happened and we can all sleep again!! I could go on and on about him and how amazing he is. If you find yourself in need of an attorney do yourself a favor and stop looking and hire him......immediately!!!! You will be glad you did. Thank you so much Mr. Hager!

Posted by Stephen | December 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Case Dismissed!

Preface, I sadly earned myself a Battery. After my Bondsman bailed me out, I called multiple Attorney Firm's. When I called Hager & Schwartz, Mr. Hager personally answered the phone, patiently & kindly took time & listened to me explain my situation, concerns, & ask questions, of which he answe...red all in perfect detail. I was still under the impression that I was going to continue to use my Public Defender. Arraignment day came, in short, it was an unorganized unprofessional disaster, I felt further compromised. I immediately called Mr. Hager, spoke of my experience, and we promptly scheduled a time to meet & go over paper work. Upon terms agreement & signing, I requested & recieved a meeting with Mr. Hagar. We went over every detail, question, & concern. After that, I pretty much didn't have to do anything, other than sign a couple documents. Mr. Hager reached out to all necessary parties, & handled everything. If his Firm had questions, they'd call &/or email. Mr. Hager also had direct contact with my Judge, which was huge... Their paralegal, was efficient & punctual as well! Conclusion, case was dismissed, and we are in the process of expungement. Everything, thank G*d & Hager & Shwartz PA, turned our exactly how we wanted! I HIGHLY recommend this Firm! Stephen

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John Stephen Hager's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Michael M. Stover headshot
Michael Stover

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"No one needs to endorse John. When you meet him, you'll see his demeanor and legal prowess is elite. Truly elite. Along with easily being a top 100 trial lawyer in the state, he is a wonderful human being. It is my honor to endorse Mr. Hager."

Lawrence James Arnkoff headshot
Lawrence Arnkoff

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Friend

"I met John about 15 years ago while the two of us were waiting to see clients at the Federal Detention Center in Miami. He was young and highly motivated. Although I barely knew John I had a good feeling about him and now some fifteen years later I am still referring him clients. John is bright and conscientious and he has the confidence clients want to see. When I refer a client to another attorney I expect that client to receive the same attention if not more than I would give them. John does that for me. I have been practicing in Nashville for the last ten years and I am comforted knowing that John takes excellent care of my South Florida clients. He is an excellent communicator. I would highly recommend John to anyone needing a criminal defense attorney in Florida."

David Alan Shekhter headshot
David Shekhter

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"John is not only a personal friend and mentor, but an excellent attorney. We have worked many cases together and achieved successful outcomes. He is very thorough knowledgeable and professional and I look forward to working on future cases with this excellent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Jason Todd Forman headshot
Jason Forman

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is a tough criminal defense attorney who fights hard for his clients. He handles cases all over the State and is not afraid to mix it up with the Prosecutors when needed."

Isabel del Cid Castillo headshot
Isabel Castillo

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with John on a number of sensitive cases involving an overlap of criminal and immigration issues. He works hard in negotiating with prosecutors in order to enter into a plea that will have the least consequences for our mutual clients from an immigration perspective. I would highly recommend John."

Jason A. Brodie headshot
Jason Brodie

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Todd Alan Onore headshot
Todd Onore

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer without any reservations. John is a genuine person who is a very hard worker. He works tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for his clients."

Kenneth Patrick Hassett headshot
Kenneth Hassett

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. John is a well respected lawyer in the legal community. He is a true gentleman who works tirelessly for his clients. He is a dedicated advocate who will not take short cuts."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Brett Michael Schwartz headshot
Brett Schwartz

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Richard Lawrence Steinberg headshot
Richard Steinberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John Hager and his partner are very capable Criminal Defense attorneys. I would not hesitate to refer clients to John if they find themselves facing criminal charges."

Eric Tolin Schwartzreich headshot
Eric Schwartzreich

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of working on cases with John. He is always prepaed and very passionate about his cases. He is an excellent attorney and a true beliver."

Julian Felipe Montero headshot
Julian Montero

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Friend

"John is a highly regarded and extremely competent criminal defense attorney. He is very thorough and knowledgeable and has a very high success rate in defending his clients in a variety of criminal matters. I strongly recommend John and his firm Hager & Schwartz to anyone who is charged with a criminal offense."

Lisa Marie Vari headshot
Lisa Vari

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John Hager is an exceptional criminal defense lawyer in Miami and south Florida. John is amongst the select few Miami criminal defense lawyers that I would, without hesitation, refer my clients, friends or family to if the need arose for his help."

Michael David Weinstein headshot
Michael Weinstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. John is a well liked excellent attorney. I have referred him business as well."

Russell Stuart Jacobs headshot
Russell Jacobs

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you are looking for a criminal defense lawyer in South Florida, look no further than John Hager. He is a lawyer's lawyer and a consummate professional. More importantly he was a former prosecutor so he knows the prosecutor's thought process and how they handle their cases. John is sought after by clients all across Florida to represent them in their criminal cases and I can certainly see why. I would recommend John Hager as a criminal defense attorney without reservation."

Joseph N. Nusbaum headshot
Joseph Nusbaum

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known John for well over 10 years. Over those years I have referred John many Criminal Defense matters and each time the individual has personally called me back thanking me for introducing them to John. His knowledge and professionalism is unmatched in the community. More than anything, his personal involvement and true caring about his clients make him special. I am honored to endorse John. He is encompasses everything that an attorney should be."

Christopher Denton Forrest headshot
Christopher Forrest

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Highly recommended. Smart and aggressive."

Diana I. Castrillon headshot
Diana Castrillon

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I refer all of my criminal defense matters to Mr. Hager and his partner, Brett Schwartz. Mr. Hager does an excellent job for the clients I have referred and is always professional and ethical in his practice."

View All Endorsements
R. William Barner III headshot
R. William Barner

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael M. Stover headshot
Michael Stover

Criminal defense lawyer

David Alan Shekhter headshot
David Shekhter

Criminal defense lawyer

Lawrence James Arnkoff headshot
Lawrence Arnkoff

Federal crime lawyer

Jason Todd Forman headshot
Jason Forman

Appeals lawyer

Joseph C. Wasch headshot
Joseph Wasch

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Jason A. Brodie headshot
Jason Brodie

Family lawyer

Joshua Kyle Friedman headshot
Joshua Friedman

Family lawyer

Kenneth Patrick Hassett headshot
Kenneth Hassett

Criminal defense lawyer

Todd Alan Onore headshot
Todd Onore

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Lawrence Steinberg headshot
Richard Steinberg

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

Julian Felipe Montero headshot
Julian Montero

Business lawyer

Russell Stuart Jacobs headshot
Russell Jacobs

Real estate lawyer

Brett Michael Schwartz headshot
Brett Schwartz

Criminal defense lawyer

Eric Tolin Schwartzreich headshot
Eric Schwartzreich

Unknown lawyer

Lisa Marie Vari headshot
Lisa Vari

Family lawyer

Michael David Weinstein headshot
Michael Weinstein

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher Denton Forrest headshot
Christopher Forrest

Foreclosure lawyer

Diana I. Castrillon headshot
Diana Castrillon

Car accident lawyer

Joseph N. Nusbaum headshot
Joseph Nusbaum

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Client's Choice, Avvo

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Top Lawyer, South Florida Legal Guide

2013

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Top Up and Comer, South Florida Legal Guide

2012

Top Lawyer, South Florida Legal Guide

2011

Top Up and Comer, South Florida Legal Guide

2010

Top Up and Comer, South Florida Legal Guide

2009

Top Up and Comer, South Florida Legal Guide

Work Experience

2003 - Present

Partner, Hager & Schwartz, PA

2001 - 2003

Defense Attorney, Conroy, Simberg, Ganon, Krevans, Abel, Lurvey, Morrow & Schefer, PA

1999 - 2001

Assistant Attorney, Office Of The State Attorney

1997 - 1999

Legal Intern, Bogenschutz & Dutko, PA

Associations

2010 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2008 - Present

Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2006 - Present

Florida Bar, Traffic Court Rules Committee

Member

2005 - Present

Broward County Bar Association Trial Lawyers

Member

1999 - Present

Florida Bar

Attorney

Sample of Legal Cases

Domestic Violence Case

Case dismissed due to lack of evidence

Strong Arm Robbery

Case reduced to a misdemeanor

Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

Client was found not guilty

Resisting Police Officer Without Violence

Judge granted the Motion to Dismiss

Exploitation of Elderly Charge

Case not filed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1999

Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

University of Florida

Bachelor of Arts

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

John earned significant contribution points in 2012.

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution