This has been an exceptionally long and stressful process. It has taken 2 years, lots of vacation time from work, and thousands of dollars. I can honestly say that this has been the most frustrating thing I’ve ever experienced in my adult life. I have never, in my 44 years of life, been in trouble with the law or had anything more than a traffic ticket. For people not familiar with criminal law enforcement, the whole “world” of bail, jail, rights, diversions, motions, hearings, and charges is downright scary and alien. The police only tell you what they have to. The laws are written to the lowest human standards like town drunks and alcoholics who are repeat offenders, not for responsible, tax-paying professionals. Even though only accused and not convicted of anything, you are treated as a criminal. Even in the modern world of the internet and unlimited information, it is crucial to have experts in your corner from the very start. Please feel free to share this message with potential clients like myself who have been accused of a crime they did not commit and feel they are victims of police incompetence and misconduct.
Dear Mr. Sachs,
April 4, 2011
I would like to express my fullhearted gratitude and appreciation to mark the end of a very traumatic episode in my family’s life, especially that of my daughter.
It was 2 a.m. on March 28th, 2010, when I was suddenly awakened by loud banging on my front door. Startled and scared, my heart pounding, I ran downstairs. There was a police officer at the door. “Yes,” I said. “What’s wrong?” I held my breath waiting for his reply, one of which I never thought I would hear. “Your daughter has been in an accident,” he said. “The state trooper contacted us, they’ve been trying to reach you.” “Is she alright, is she hurt? Is she alive?” I asked. He simply stated, “I can’t tell you anything, except to call this number.”
It was every parent’s worse nightmare. You know, the one that happens to everyone else . . . . but not to you! Two of my sons and myself left for the hospital immediately after being told that my daughter was fine, but was also charged with a DWI. They let her remain at the hospital, so we could take her home, but we would later return for a court appearance.
It was by the Grace of God that she survived with minor injuries after going over a guard rail, and tumbling down an embankment onto the highway below. She fell asleep at the wheel due to exhaustion of sleepless nights studying for midterms, and some alcohol she ingested several hours before. She was just 15 minutes away from campus when the accident occurred.
My daughter, my beautiful intelligent, sensitive, responsible daughter, that had proven herself to be a capable young adult, used very poor judgment that night. “I could do it Mom, I was almost there. I was in control!” Famous last words I thought, but you’re not now.
We returned home the following evening, numb and exhausted. I didn’t know what to do or who to call. I know we needed an attorney, but I didn’t trust any that I knew. I was a single parent with 5 children, that got the raw end of the deal in a horrible divorce! I may not have been the most computer savvy person in the world, but I knew how to search for a DWI attorney in Suffolk County, N.Y. I came to a site that asked you to fill in your name, address, and phone number and they would contact you! The next morning, my phone rang. It was you. Your tone and speech was calming and reassuring. You were thorough and easy to understand. So I made an appointment for myself and my daughter to meet with you.
From the start, you were outstanding! Your knowledge of law, personal guidance, emotional support and litigation in my daughter’s behalf was beyond professional. I never doubted your capabilities. I entrusted in you the well being of my most precious child without fear. You were realistic yet hopeful, and perseverant to the very end. Your approachable manner reduced anxiety of a most traumatic time.
Nearly, one year to the day of the accident had passed, and my daughter walked through the door crying! “It’s over!”, she exclaimed. “I’m done!” I didn’t know what she was referring to. “He got it down to a DWA, and a $150 dollar fine. He said he would even mail it to the courthouse for me. I just need to send the check to him.” At that moment her nightmare had ended like only a bad dream.
My daughter’s self-esteem grew 10x that day. She could hold her head high again. She really is a good person, she just made a very poor decision. She was always an honor’s student, conscientious, hardworking, popular, and had a good heart. The humility and acceptance of her own poor judgment were the best teachers this past year. She’s held herself accountable by becoming more emotionally responsible. As a mother, what else could I hope for my child.
Eric, thank you for everything. Your representation was a blessing to us.
With much gratitude.