To whom It May Concern,
On November 17, 2017, after a night of celebrations for my wedding anniversary, I woke up early to go shopping with my wife, as we are traveling to the USA from Brazil, taking advantage of the special date to make purchases of products surcharged in our country. I left SFO towards a Shopping Mall in Santa Marta. Arriving there, we shopped for about 4 hours and returned to SFO. On the highway at San Mateo County, I was stopped by a CHIP's car, whose officer asked me for the usual paperwork, and asked a few questions, including whether I had drunk alcohol. My response was sincere, as I advise everyone should always be. I replied that not at that moment, but the night before, because of the celebration. He went through routine tests and finally the breathalyzer test. I did not oppose or offer any kind of resistance, which I also advise everyone to do in the same way, for the laws of California are strict in that regard. To my surprise, my alcohol content was still 0.1% above that allowed. The absorption of alcohol is variable in each organism and individual. Of course, I was arrested immediately, handcuffed as usual, and taken to the county jail of Reedwood, San Mateo County jail. I went through all the normal procedures like a new breathalyzer, a more precise device, criminal identification, and so on. They changed my clothes, donned the famous orange jumpsuit, and got stuck in a two-occupant cell for about 24 hours, until the initial custody hearing, with the judge assigned to the case. I was released on a commitment to attend the next hearing scheduled on that occasion for approximately 45 days after. In addition, they scheduled for 7 days to meet with a probation officer, for whom I would report periodically. As a foreigner, since I declined my visitor's status, and my address in Brazil, the visit to the officer was quite cutting and she determined that I would contact her every week by telephone, and eventually if there was any change of address or phone, you will be informed immediately. This was done between the first week after the meeting, until the final judgment of the case in August 2018. Nevertheless, I was advised to seek a lawyer to represent me at the San Mateo court, both for my own safety and for compliance of the legal criteria that involve such processes in the USA, especially in California. So when looking for a qualified professional, God and luck came to my side. I found HAITAM G. AMIM (SAM), a brilliant lawyer, who works ethically and aggressively in SFO and surroundings, within the legal representation I needed. Since our first discussion, it was objective and clear, leaving no edge of doubt or fear as to its capacity and knowledge of the cause. I felt calm and confident, because better than anyone else I can recognize a good lawyer, because I am, but in my country, Brazil. I was charged the fair, we agreed the entry and the payment method, agreed in contract and we proceeded towards the first hearing scheduled for the end of January 2018. Obviously I had extra expenses to come back and make myself present at this hearing, but which unfortunately was absolutely necessary, even for the free conviction of the Judge that I had no intention of avoiding justice and any penalties to which I should be condemned. This is extremely important, since the application of the law when guaranteed early, gives tranquility to those who judge and who processes, in the case the local DA. Already in the first hearing, with the specific presences of SAM, and obviously mine, the physical presence of the other subsequent audience was dispensed with, which would only serve the presence of my legal representative, in this case my brilliant SAM lawyer. So it was until August 10, 2018, when we accepted an agreement with the local DA, where I was fined a certain amount that was also parceled me out thanks to the intervention of SAM, as well as two restrictive penalties of rights, whether it be , community service rendering and attendance at a steering driver recycling group, all of which are allowed by the court, to be complied with in my country of origin, Brazil, by all means, it is logical to document it. SAM, stayed all this period through my internet and telephone, being always available for clarification and direct assistance. My primary objective with this report is to exalt the ethical and professional behavior of this exemplary lawyer, and to give anyone who may be interested, my full endorsement of his action, recommending it to all who for some reason may go through this misfortune in only Californian or American. Thanks SAM!! read more
