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.

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Hager & Schwartz, P.A. Named a 2026 Best of Florida Winner

August 31, 2026

Guide to Florida has named Hager & Schwartz, P.A. a 2026 Best of Florida winner in the Criminal Defense Firms category. It is our […]

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Can You Refuse to Cooperate in a Federal Investigation?

May 25, 2026

Yes. In many situations, you can refuse to cooperate with a federal investigation in Miami. But that answer changes depending

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What Happens After a Grand Jury Subpoena Is Issued?

May 25, 2026

A grand jury subpoena is not just paperwork. It is a formal legal demand requiring documents, testimony, or both. It

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Can You Be Charged Without Knowing You’re Under Federal Investigation?

April 5, 2026

Yes, you can be charged without knowing you are under federal investigation. Many people first learn of charges when agents

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What Happens After You Receive a Target Letter in Florida?

April 5, 2026

Receiving a target letter from the federal government can be overwhelming. For many, it is the first clear sign of

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Crypto Fraud Investigations in Miami: What Usually Triggers Them?

April 5, 2026

What triggers crypto fraud investigations in Miami? Learn how federal agencies investigate digital asset activity and what to do if authorities contact you.

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SEC Subpoena vs. FBI Investigation: What Comes First in Miami Securities Cases?

April 5, 2026

SEC subpoena or FBI investigation in Miami? Learn how securities investigations start, when criminal charges may follow, and what steps to take.

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When Florida Drug Cases Become Federal: 5 Triggers Prosecutors Use

February 28, 2026

Learn when Florida drug cases become federal, the triggers prosecutors use, and how federal drug charges in Florida can impact your future.

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Grand Jury Subpoenas in Miami: Target vs. Witness Status and What It Means

February 28, 2026

Grand Jury Subpoenas in Miami: Target vs. Witness Status and What It Means Receiving a grand jury subpoena in Miami can feel alarming—because it […]

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When reading isn’t enough

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