Take a look at our August newsletter!
Criminal Defense Federal Law Immigration Law Se Habla Español
The Medlin News
AUGUST 2024
Furry Friends, Endless Happiness DOGS LIGHT UP OUR LIVES WITH LOVE
Dogs will always have a special place in our hearts because they have evolved to understand and connect with us in ways other animals haven’t; my wife calls it dog therapy! I love that she says this because it is true: Dogs are the best therapy. This mutual understanding has made them essential parts of our everyday lives. Over time, they have learned to read our emotions and respond in ways that make us instantly feel better — this is precisely what Snowball does for our family. Snowball is a 4-year-old English cream golden retriever. His real name is Snezok, which is Russian and translates loosely to Snowball. His fur is closer to white than golden, and he is a big shedder, so we constantly look after him and his fur, but he is a beautiful companion. Although he is a golden retriever, sometimes he struggles with the retrieving part; he doesn’t seem to know the second half of his name! However, he does know basic commands like “come” and “sit.” He is very affectionate and loves
We got Snowball as a puppy during the pandemic, so he was never left alone for very long. So now, he does not like being home alone without us, but the feeling is mutual. As much as he needs us, we need him and the love he provides; he’s our spoiled boy and a significant source of happiness and comfort every day. His ability to understand and respond to our moods shows how well dogs have adapted to living with humans. Research has shown that having a pet like a dog or cat can be therapeutic; it lowers blood pressure and improves overall mood. I wouldn’t be surprised if having a pet also increases our years of life; that’s how special they are. I also think dogs are more intelligent than we realize; sometimes, when a dog looks like they are smiling at us, they may not be smiling; instead, they’ve more likely evolved to use an expression we respond to positively, so they get what they want from us. When we see their faces light up, we think it is adorable, so we give them attention or even a treat — exactly what they want. Our golden retriever, Snowball, has all these qualities, and we are so blessed to have a pet as loyal as he is. A dog’s playful antics and loyalty can lift our spirits even on the darkest days. They can teach us a lot about love and patience, enriching our lives with their infectious energy during playtime, comforting presence, or ability to sense our emotions and respond affectionately. So, if you have a four-legged companion, give them a little extra love this month in honor of National Dog Month! – Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
getting attention from all of us. He’s always ready for an excellent cuddling session, but our favorite is his funny personality: When we throw a ball at him, sometimes he will retrieve it; other times, he goes to the ball but then sits down and looks at us as if to say, “You come here and get it!”
MedlinFirm.com | Pg. 1
Pitch a Tent to Make Memories BACKYARD CAMPING MADE EASY
Camping is an excellent way for families to disconnect from their devices and spend time together — but traveling to a campsite isn’t always feasible. Instead of forgoing this treasured summer activity, think outside the box and discover the best campsite you’ll ever pitch a tent in — your own backyard. Here are our two tips for success. Make a pact to stay outside (no cheating)! If you’re going to pretend you’re camping, you have to commit fully. That means no running into the house except for bathroom breaks or emergencies! To ensure you don’t disrupt your fun, pitch your tent and set up your campsite, double-checking that everything you need is present and in working order. It’s also not a bad idea to stash extra supplies (like batteries) or a first-aid kit in a tote before heading outside. And don’t forget the cooler! Stock it with juice boxes and other cold beverages or fruit, plus easy-to-heat-and-eat foods like hot dogs, cans of soup, or even store-bought camping meals you simply add boiling water to. Get creative with campfire cuisine. The best part of camping is the time spent around the campfire, and mealtimes are an ideal excuse for this summer tradition. Don’t have a fire pit? No problem! A charcoal grill works just as well.
Roasting hot dogs on sticks over a bonfire is a classic camping experience your kids will remember forever. Buying extra sticks, chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows make crafting s’mores a breeze.
Are you looking for something a little healthier? Foil packets filled with rice, proteins, vegetables, and flavorful liquids like broth or wine can be placed near the fire for hands-free cooking. Get creative with your dishes, and you might discover a new family favorite to add to your weekly rotation — or to savor and keep as a campground specialty.
You might forget you never left home as you tell spooky stories, go on scavenger hunts in your yard, and enjoy other campsite activities or games. Camping doesn’t have to happen at some exotic location — what matters is time spent together unplugged from your tech and plugged into nature.
Tough Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Texas
Drugs are not just a personal problem — they are an intense battle. In Texas, when discussing drug trafficking, people generally refer to the delivery of controlled substances as defined under the Controlled Substance Act, encompassing manufacture and distribution. Common drugs involved include methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, which are under penalty group one substances. Drug trafficking involves any activity related to the sale of controlled substances, such as delivering or selling a gram of cocaine, and the penalties for this and other drug-related offenses can be severe. For instance, delivering less than a gram of cocaine gets a person a state jail felony, which is considered the least severe consequence. A state jail felony can mean six months to two years in a state jail facility but with no early release or parole.
As the amount of drugs involved increases, so do the penalties. Delivering 1–4 grams of a controlled substance is a third-degree felony. If the quantity is 4–200 grams, the felony escalates to second degree. For quantities over 400 grams, the offense becomes a first- degree felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, but first- degree felonies can carry penalties of up to 99 years or even life imprisonment. The severity of penalties for drug trafficking in Texas, or what the statutes refer to as the delivery of controlled substances, ranges significantly. These tough legal repercussions reflect how seriously Texas law treats the manufacture and delivery of controlled substances. Protecting the health and safety of its citizens is paramount, and Texas drug offense laws punish those who engage in the manufacture and delivery of dangerous drugs.
MedlinFirm.com | Pg. 2
If you or someone you know is confronting criminal charges, you will likely have questions and uncertainties. Where do you seek reliable legal advice, and what criteria should you prioritize? Also, remember that the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution ensures your right to competent representation at all critical stages of legal proceedings so you can challenge evidence, present arguments effectively, and advocate for your rights in court. In Texas, facing criminal charges requires strategic defense tactics. You need a skilled criminal lawyer who can challenge the credibility of evidence, establish alibis through witness testimonies and surveillance footage, and assert self-defense if applicable. These strategies aim to mitigate charges and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. A Texas criminal lawyer is pivotal in safeguarding your rights and navigating the complexities of the legal system. One significant benefit of hiring a criminal lawyer is our ability to offer personalized legal advice. We can carefully assess your case, analyze evidence, and create a defense strategy tailored to your situation. This approach strengthens your defense on solid legal grounds and improves your chances of a favorable outcome. Additionally, criminal lawyers will ensure your constitutional rights are upheld throughout the process, including protection against unfair procedures. Choosing the right attorney is essential. Look for someone with crucial defense experience committed to protecting your rights. This can significantly impact your case through navigating legal challenges and striving for a favorable resolution. The Medlin Law firm, known for its expertise in Texas criminal law, provides trusted legal representation to achieve successful case outcomes. We are committed to you and your case and will fight until the end. Give us a call today. You won’t regret it.
Defense in Texas
CHOOSING THE RIGHT LEGAL COUNSEL
Lime Chicken With Corn and Poblano Salad
Ingredients
Chicken • 3 tbsp olive oil
Corn and poblano salad • 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper • 1 1/2 tsp salt • 3/4 tsp black pepper • Zest of 1 lime • 8 chicken thighs
• 2 poblano peppers, diced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 14-oz can of corn • 4 scallions, minced • Juice of 2 limes • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro • Salt and pepper
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. 3. In a bowl, whisk flour, spices, and lime zest. Dredge chicken in the mix to coat. 4. Add chicken, skin-side down, to skillet, then place skillet in the oven for 30–35 minutes. 5. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil and add poblanos. Sauté 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. 6. In a bowl, add poblano mix, corn, scallions, lime juice, and cilantro, toss and serve with the chicken. Directions
For resources, practice areas, and more, scan the QR code to visit our website, MedlinFirm.com.
MedlinFirm.com | Pg. 3
Inspired by Purewow.com
1300 South University Drive Suite 318 Fort Worth, TX 76107 682-499-9222 www.MedlinFirm.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Criminal Defense | Federal Law | Immigration Law | Se Habla Español
Great clients refer great clients! Please think of Medlin Law Firm if you ever need an attorney. Leaving a review on Google, Avvo, or Yelp would mean the world to us.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1.
How Dogs Brighten Every Day
2.
Discover the Campground in Your Own Backyard (Literally)
Texas Drug Trafficking Laws Explained
3.
The Importance of a Strong Legal Strategy
Lime Chicken With Corn and Poblano Salad
4.
Start Strong This Upcoming School Year
BACK TO SCHOOL
Tips for a Successful First Day of Class
Shopping Spree Students also want to come to school prepared! Shopping for school supplies is a great way to get everything they need for the year ahead, including a snazzy new outfit for the first day, notebooks, organizers, and favorite brands of pens and pencils. It’s also important to write names in notebooks to make them easier to identify if they end up in the lost and found! Mental Map No one likes getting lost. Whether returning to the same school as last year or heading into a new environment, finding one’s way can be daunting. If your kids arrive at school early, they can figure out where each class is and plot a path beforehand. Getting a feel for where they need to go throughout the day can be a great way to help them feel more prepared and comfortable. Many schools also have physical maps, which can be a great resource to store in a backpack if they ever feel lost.
With summer break tragically ending (as it does, sadly, every year), it is time to get back in the groove and prepare for the new school year. If you want to help your kids get over the first-day jitters and start out strong, employ these tips to make their first day back at class so successful that others will want to study it. Getting a Head Start According to research by the Center for Economic Security and Opportunity, students lose as much as 25%–30% of the knowledge they accumulated the previous school year over summer break. Reading and math skills are particularly affected and see the highest regression rate. And the higher the grade level, the more students are likely to forget. The best way to combat this summer slump is to keep learning. Reading books and practicing arithmetic at least three times a week will help kids maintain what they have previously worked so hard to learn.
MedlinFirm.com | Pg. 4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator