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The Medlin News
JANUARY 2025
Collaboration Is Key The Importance of Regular Attorney-Client Communication
What This Means for You
Communication is one of the fundamentals of a successful attorney-client relationship. Without effective communication, it is impossible to be an effective legal advocate. The better our firm can communicate, the better we can serve our clients. That is why we have made it our New Year’s resolution — and one we intend to keep — to improve our attorney-client communications across the board. Many New Year’s resolutions fail just a month into the year. People say they will read more or lose weight but do not have a plan to stick to and accomplish what they have set out to do. Our communications initiative is not just another ambiguous goal: We are putting in a determined effort, as a firm, to make it happen. How We Will Accomplish Our Goal One of the most frustrating experiences for clients is when they find themselves desperate to learn more about their case, but their efforts to contact their lawyers fall on deaf ears. We never want our clients to feel we ignore their messages and requests and that they are not our priority. As a firm, we have examined our relevant policies and procedures. This was taxing but allowed us to find the best ways to improve our attorney-client communications’ frequency and effectiveness. We have also created a new administrative role solely responsible for determining and recording the frequency of communication between our attorneys and their clients on a client-by-client basis. This way, we can ensure everyone gets timely, thorough updates on the status of their case. We want to answer the questions clouding your mind so you don’t worry about the direction your case is going.
In concrete terms, this means you will be hearing from your attorney about the state of your case at least once a month. Even when a case is in a stage with no significant developments,
or both the client and attorney are awaiting a distant court date, we will still reach out to ensure you are actively informed. When developments do arise, we will discuss the possible and likely next steps with our clients and allow them to ask questions about what these developments mean and how they will affect their case. Looking Ahead Our staff members are already enthusiastic about the changes we have made. Having the tools to ensure we communicate regularly and keep our clients apprised of what is going on in their cases at regular intervals helps us build a greater client-attorney relationship. We want our clients to be happy and to have the peace of mind they need. This resolution is about goodwill, and we are learning from our clients — whether firsthand or through our surveys — what we need to address to provide you with the best service possible. – Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
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Embrace the French Art of Living
Enrich Your Golden Years With L’art de Vivre
Living like a French person isn’t just about enjoying cheese and wine; it’s about embracing l’art de vivre, or the art of living. This philosophy emphasizes finding joy in simple pleasures, prioritizing quality over quantity, and cultivating beauty in everyday life. For those of us reaching our golden years, adopting this way of life can enhance our quality of life and make every moment more fulfilling. Let’s explore how you can infuse your daily routine with French elegance and leisure. Slow down and savor. The essence of the French lifestyle is taking the time to savor life’s joys. In France, this might mean lingering over a meal rather than rushing through it. Apply this principle by taking time to appreciate the small details of your day, whether enjoying the quiet morning hours with a cup of coffee or watching the sunset. This deliberate
slowdown helps to reduce stress and increase mindfulness.
Prioritize self-care. Self-care is paramount in French culture. It goes beyond vanity to encompass a comprehensive lifestyle that maintains mind and body health. This can involve a balanced diet rich in natural foods, regular physical activity, and routines nourishing the body and soul. As you age, these practices are vital for maintaining your health, energy, and vitality, allowing you to enjoy your years to their fullest potential. Choose quality over quantity. The French are known for their classic style, which favors quality over quantity. This principle applies to various aspects of life, from clothing to kitchenware. Investing in fewer but better-quality items ensures longevity and guarantees your
purchases are meaningful and genuinely improve your life.
Inspire your inner artist. The French celebrate creativity as a significant aspect of their daily life. Emulate this by setting aside time for cultural activities that spark your creativity and passion. Whether attending a concert, visiting an art gallery, or simply engaging in a creative hobby at home, these activities enrich your life, stimulate your mind, and provide tremendous joy. Adopting these elements of the French art of living can bring richness and joy to your everyday life, proving that the golden years can be your most vibrant.
PROTECT YOURSELF MISTAKES YOU SHOULD AVOID DURING ARREST
Being arrested is stressful, frightening, and anxiety-provoking. Even when the cuffs come out — although it can be difficult — it’s important to remember you have certain rights protected by law. Your legal situation will benefit greatly by avoiding common pitfalls and acting appropriately during the ordeal. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when arrested.
disagreements or complaints should be addressed in a courtroom rather than the scene of your arrest.
Do Not Self-Incriminate Anything you say during an arrest can be used against you. When a police officer asks you an incriminating question, you are not obliged to answer it. For example, if you are pulled over for speeding, the officer may ask, “Do you know how fast you were going?” This is an attempt to get
Do Not Resist Resisting arrest — when individuals attempt to obstruct or interfere with police while carrying out their duties — is a common but costly mistake. By definition, it escalates the situation and makes it increasingly dangerous. Depending on whether this resistance involves physical violence or just verbal abuse, the results of this error will result in charges and penalties of varying severity. It is important to remain calm and compliant during an arrest, even if you believe it is unwarranted. Any
you to admit to the violation to further incriminate you. The Fifth Amendment protects you from self-incriminating, and invoking this right cannot be used as a justification for your arrest. If the police persist in questioning, politely and calmly reiterate your wish to invoke the Fifth Amendment until you can consult with an attorney. Understanding and exercising your rights during an arrest can significantly reduce your
chances of incriminating yourself.
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HOW TO WIPE YOUR RECORD CLEAN IN TEXAS Expunctions 101
Being charged with a crime can be damaging in more ways than one. There are the possible punitive fines and imprisonment, which can cause stress and financial
and only certain individuals with criminal records are eligible for expunction.
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 outlines the criteria for expunction eligibility. Certain misdemeanors, overturned convictions, dismissed charges, those with alcohol-related offenses committed as minors, and those who have completed diversion programs may be eligible for expunction. Certain eligibility criteria must also be met. Ineligible for Expunction If you are convicted of a crime in Texas, you are generally not eligible for expunction. There are exceptions, such as if your conviction was overturned on appeal. Certain felony offenses, like murder, aggravated kidnapping, and sexual assault, are ineligible for expunction. If you are under ongoing investigation for a crime but have not yet been charged, you are also ineligible for expunction.
burden. However, long after those feelings fade, a criminal record can continue to damage your reputation. Those with criminal records often find job opportunities or educational prospects more difficult. Those in the midst of expunction cases are often haunted by past mistakes, regardless of whether they paid their dues and enacted positive changes in their lives. However, a skilled attorney can help you navigate the legal process of expuncting (also known as expunging) your criminal record. Eligibility for Expunction Expunction is the process of removing a criminal record. If a request for expunction is granted, the record will be removed from public view as if it never existed. However, this process can be complicated,
ONE-POT CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
Directions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite- size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
Ingredients
• 2 1/2 lbs skinless,
bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 10 cups chicken broth • 4 celery ribs, chopped • 4 medium carrots, chopped • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp dried thyme • 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • 1 tbsp lemon juice
For resources, practice areas, and more, scan the QR code to visit our website, MedlinFirm.com.
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. How We Are Improving Our Communication
2. Live a More Joyful, French-Inspired Life
How to Avoid Common Mistakes During an Arrest
3.
Expunge Your Criminal Record
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
4.
Bon Jovi Saves Woman on Bridge
Jon ‘Bridge’ Jovi
ROCK LEGEND SAVES WOMAN IN PERIL
Nashville is known as “Music City” because of its role in the birth of country music and its centuries-old Ryman Auditorium. Famous performers like Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, and Dolly Parton have performed in venues on the city’s iconic Jefferson Street. As amazing as their live performances are, they are nowhere near as impactful as Jon Bon Jovi’s was on Tuesday, Sept. 11, last year. Keep the Faith On Wednesday, Sept. 12, Jon Bon Jovi, frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi, became the unwitting star of a viral video released by the Nashville Metropolitan Police Department (NMPD). The day prior, while filming a music video for his upcoming album on the public Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Bon Jovi came across a woman standing on the ledge overlooking the Cumberland River. He quickly acted to ensure she didn’t get “One Step Closer” and did his best to provide her with “Something to Believe In.” Over several minutes, Bon Jovi evoked his song, “I Got the Girl,” and successfully convinced her to step away from the ledge to safety. Nobody’s Hero The NMPD was impressed by Bon Jovi’s selfless act. After YouTube took down the video of Bon Jovi’s rescue, the NMPD reposted it on their Facebook page and lauded the singer’s achievements wherever they could.
Photo: Matthew Fox
“It takes all of us to help keep each other safe,” NMPD Chief John Drake said of Bon Jovi on X (formerly Twitter).
Bon Jovi is no stranger to altruism. His nonprofit organization, the JBJ Soul Foundation, assists those suffering from homelessness, poverty, and hunger. His foundation’s food and affordable housing programs have aided the less fortunate since 2006. It sure seems like Bon Jovi is committed to “Work for the Working Man.”
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