With the summer travel season almost here, we’re sure many Texans will be flying out of state to visit relatives or just get away for some R&R. However, one simple mistake could keep you grounded, permanently. If you bring a firearm to a TSA checkpoint, your only summer destination will be the courtroom. A Simple Mistake Can Ruin Summer Vacation Unload Your Bags
You wake up slowly, still groggy from a raucous night out with your friends. As you look around, taking stock of your surroundings, you see the other inhabitants: a desk, your shoes, a penguin … a penguin?! While footage confirms that two young Welshmen stole Dirk the penguin from his SeaWorld Australia home, the men had little memory of the night’s misadventures the next morning — until they saw Dirk waddling around their rented apartment. The night before, after imbibing a hefty amount during their vacation in Australia, the men got the harebrained idea to break into SeaWorld and swim with the dolphins. After getting inside, video footage captured them stripping down to their skivvies and running around the facility — until they spotted the penguin enclosure. “Look at them!” one said. Distracted from their original plan, they made their way to the penguins, grabbed one, and left. Dirk, the 7-year-old fairy penguin (the smallest species of penguin), was bred in captivity and had never left his enclosure. The next morning, realizing what they’d done, the three young men panicked and released Dirk into a nearby canal. But Dirk’s misfortunes weren’t quite over. He was chased out of the canal by what onlookers believe was a shark, only to be chased back in by a surprised dog. Fortunately, concerned passers-by called authorities, and SeaWorld workers came to rescue Dirk and bring him back to his family. Dirk returned unharmed to his partner, Peaches, but his kidnappers weren’t so lucky. Once a Facebook post recounting their misdeeds made its rounds, police traced the crime back to the two Welshmen. They were charged with trespassing, stealing, and keeping a protected animal, and there was no shortage of public shaming as their crime circulated the internet. Taking note of their letter of apology and admissions of guilt and regret, the judge enforced a heavy fine for the crime in lieu of jail time. Charges for kidnapping a protected animal vary from state to state, but the Endangered Species Act ensures perpetrators face harsh penalties, including fines and maximum sentences. The Animal Legal Defense Fund also provides free legal assistance and training to help protect animals from harm. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU STEAL A PROTECTED ANIMAL Animal Theft and Trespassing Don’t Go Unnoticed
‘WHO BRINGS THEIR GUN IN A CARRY-ON?’
In an age when you can’t even bring a standard water bottle through airport security, the idea of attempting to bring a gun though may sound ridiculous, but it happens more often than you’d think. In fact, Texas airports have a higher rate of firearm confiscations than any other state. That’s because many travelers make an innocent but costly mistake.
AN ALL-TOO-COMMON ACCIDENT
Whether for hunting or personal defense, many gun owners will keep their weapons in duffle bags, backpacks, or purses. The trouble arises when you pack the same bag for your vacation (maybe at the last minute) and forget that your firearm is inside. Many people only realize the mistake as airport security is detaining them. That’s why it’s best to always follow the “orange carabiner” rule: When you store a firearm in any bag or suitcase, loop an orange carabiner or similarly bright-colored tag through the handle. This way, you always keep track of which bag is packing heat. Your Best Defense Don’t Let an Uninsured Driver Take Everything FromYou At our law firm, we pride ourselves on helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. However, when the driver who hit you has little to no insurance coverage, the best lawyers on earth couldn’t get you adequate compensation for your injuries. The money simply isn’t there. That’s why every Texas driver should have uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance (UM/UIM).
A VITAL OPTION
Unlike other states, Texas does not require UM/UIM insurance be part of an auto insurance policy. Instead, this coverage is deemed optional, leading many people to leave it out of their policy. But make no mistake: When a driver without insurance leaves you injured and unable to work, UM/UIM coverage may be your only means of financial stability while you recover.
PLAYING THE ODDS
Some people think it’s better to risk driving without UM/UIM coverage in order to save a few dollars on their monthly insurance payments. However, this means every time you get on the road, you are rolling the dice. According to the Insurance Research Council, an estimated 13.3 percent of Texas motorists drive without insurance.
Be careful on your next night out, and please, enjoy wildlife without stealing it!
2 | www.alexhernandeztriallaw.com
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