Medlin Law Firm - July 2022

IS IT TIME FOR A DIGITAL DETOX?

When you need a break from your busy life, you probably look at your cellphone. And when you need a break from your cellphone, you might watch TV or browse social media on your other devices. This cycle of never- ending screens can be taxing on your mental health. Everyone hits their breaking point at a different time, and you may not even realize when you’ve reached your limit. If you find yourself getting angry or upset at posted content, consistently comparing yourself to others, or feeling depressed, it may be time for a digital detox. But what is a digital detox? It’s taking a break from electronic devices, such as your cellphone or tablet, and mindlessly scrolling through social media or news stories.

Turn off notifications. Constant notifications can be incredibly distracting, so silencing them allows us to focus more on our surroundings. Disconnect before bedtime. Turn off all electronics an hour before you go to sleep to relax your body and mind.

Another benefit is that you’ll feel less stressed, especially if you compare yourself to others on social media or get lost in negative news cycles. Perhaps the most notable benefit of a digital detox is reclaiming your own time. Checking your cellphone and scrolling through social media can quickly become a subconscious habit. Before you know it, an hour or two has passed. Even watching television can take up huge chunks of your day. With a digital detox, you get that time back, and you can reallocate it to healthier activities.

Now that you know what it is, how can you detox yourself?

Schedule a break from your devices. Even if it’s just for a half-hour, use the time to do other activities, such as exercise, household chores, or even gardening. If you feel like you need a break from your electronic devices, take one. It could lead to a healthier and happier life. What Is Family Member Assault? How Is It Defined and Penalized?

Who is counted as part of the household? Several factors define what a household is. There are six different ways to describe this relationship: 1) past and current spouses, 2) parents of a child not in a relationship or household, 3) foster child or parent, 4) past and current residents, 5) relatives either by blood, marriage, or adoption, and 6) past and current romantic partners. What are the penalties? Depending on if this is the first offense and other factors, there are several penalties the courts can take into consideration. If someone assaults a family member and it’s their first offense, they will receive a Class A misdemeanor that carries up to a year in jail. Repeat offenses of family violence will be charged as felonies. Aggravated assault on a family member is classified as a first-degree felony. Ongoing violence is a third-degree felony and is added to assault charges as a compounding charge. If you, or a loved one, ever face a charge of assaulting a family member, an experienced attorney may need to look at the case. Allow Medlin Law Firm to assist you at this time and look over your case. There are several resources and strategies available we can use to help you during this time.

Assault on a family member is a crime that courts take seriously. Although first-time offenders will occasionally get off with a Class A misdemeanor, repeat offenders will be given harsher punishments that accompany a felony charge. Here is everything you need to know about family assault charges in Texas. What is assault on a family member? Texas Family Code divides the meaning of assault on a family member in three different ways.

1. An act of violence committed against someone a person has or had a dating relationship with

2. Any violent acts committed against any person of the same household with a blood relation or romantic relationship

3. A member of the same household abuses a child in the home

Within these descriptions, an assault on a family member also includes the fear or threat of physical or sexual harm.

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