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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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Safety in the Driver’s Seat Our Tips for Parents During Teen Driving Awareness Month
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As a father, I know the day will come when my son will get behind the wheel of a car for the first time. I’m sure it’s going to be nerve- wracking - for him and me. Driving is an exciting phase for nearly every teenager as they are given a new — and potentially risky — form of independence. That’s why Teen Driving Awareness Month, which falls in January, is the perfect opportunity to share a few driving tips to guarantee their safety on the road. We’ve compiled a list of important issues to discuss with your new drivers. At DeWitt Law Firm, we’re dedicated to keeping our community safe, and we hope parents will actively participate in shaping responsible and safe driving habits. Educate on Distracted Driving Encourage teens to keep their phones out of reach while driving and explain the risks of distracted driving, such as an increased chance of crashing and injuring themselves or others. It’s important to emphasize that even a momentary distraction can have life- changing consequences. Establish Clear Boundaries Set clear driving rules, such as limiting the number of passengers in the car and restricting nighttime driving during their first few
months behind the wheel. We recommend gradually loosening these restrictions as teens gain experience, which can help build their confidence and responsibility on the road. Emphasize the Importance of Seatbelts Ensure your teen understands the importance of using seatbelts as a legal requirement and a vital safety measure that significantly reduces their risk of injury in accidents. Encourage Defensive Driving Techniques Teach your teen to anticipate potential hazards and be prepared for the unexpected actions of other drivers. Show them how to maintain a safe following distance and be aware of blind spots. Discuss the Dangers of Speeding Remind teens that speed limits exist for a reason — to keep everyone on the road safe. You can even share statistics on the increased likelihood of accidents and injuries when The more experience a teen driver gains, the more confident and capable they become. Head out with your teen for regular practice sessions in different weather conditions and traffic scenarios. This will enhance their skills and decision-making abilities in a safer, controlled way. Discuss the Implications of Driving Under the Influence Make it clear that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Stress the potential legal consequences and, more importantly, the severe risks to their own and others’ lives. Even if they must call you to pick them up, that’s always better than driving under the influence. driving above the speed limit. Practice, Practice, Practice
Ensure Correct Documents Emphasize the importance of having the correct documents, including a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration. Ensure your teen understands the legal implications of driving without these documents and the potential consequences. To help, we offer FREE registration and insurance holders you or your teen can keep in the car. That way, should they need to locate the vehicle registration or insurance, they’re easily accessible and won’t get lost. You can scan the QR code above or call us at 407-245-7723 to order one! Lead by Example Remember that teens are likely to model their behavior after their parents. Demonstrate responsible driving habits when you’re behind the wheel, even when you think they aren’t watching. So, this Teen Driving Awareness Month, let’s pass on these crucial tips to our teen drivers. By doing so, we not only keep our kids safe but also actively contribute to our community’s overall safety as well. And, as parents, let’s work together to give our teenagers the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the roads confidently and responsibly this month and beyond! Scan this QR code to fill out our online contact form. In the message box, let us know you’re writing to claim your complimentary registration holder mentioned in the newsletter, and someone from our firm will get back to you to arrange the order! Or you can always call us at 407-245-7723 to order one, too.
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PERSONAL INJURY - AUTO ACCIDENT - DIVORCE
It was a case that enraged the nation: A teenager named Ethan Couch combined alcohol, arrogance, reckless behavior, and manslaughter in what became known as the “affluenza” case. On June 15, 2013, the 16-year-old and a group of friends stole beer from a store and had a party at his parents’ house before going for a drive. As Couch was careening down the road at 70 mph in a 40- mph zone, he barreled into the town of Burleson, Texas. Speeding along the rural two-lane street, Couch plowed through an SUV that had stopped with car trouble on the side of the road, then slammed into another car that was stopped near the SUV. In the process, he killed four people and seriously injured two others. Upon his arrest shortly after the terrible crash, Couch’s blood alcohol level was reported as 0.24 — three times the legal limit for drunk driving in Texas. Two years later, Couch stood trial for the devastation he had caused. He pleaded guilty to four counts of manslaughter, but his attorneys put forth what came to be known as the “affluenza” defense. A psychologist testified for the defense that Couch was When Privilege Kills A Look Back at the Case of ‘Affluenza’ Teen Ethan Couch
a product of wealthy, privileged parents who never set limits for him, so he didn’t fully understand what it meant to have consequences for his actions. Prosecutors had sought 20 years in prison, but Couch received no prison time. Judge Jean Hudson Boyd gave Couch 10 years of probation, along with an order to undergo long-term therapy. The decision by the juvenile court judge outraged the victims’ families, drunk driving activists, and most of the country. Over the past decade, Couch has cycled through bouts of disappearing and continuing alcohol abuse. In 2016, he fled with his mother to Mexico to avoid being arrested for a parole violation but was arrested soon after. The judge in that case sentenced Couch to two years in prison. After his release in 2018, he was again arrested in 2020 for allegedly violating his parole, but the charges were later dismissed. His probation is due to end in 2024.
Wheels, Cheers, and Championship Trophies INSIDE THE ACTION-PACKED 2023 SOFAS AND SUDS COUCH RACES
This year, our DeWitt Law team was thrilled to be a proud sponsor of the annual Sofas and Suds Couch Races. The event took place on the streets of Downtown Sanford on Sunday, Nov. 19, and kept us on the edge of our seats with teams from various regions participating in a bracket-style, single-elimination race to win the couch-racing championship title. Participating teams modified ordinary living room couches into high-speed racing machines, adding wheels and other modifications to make them as fast as possible as their teammates pushed the piece of furniture down the racing strip. The atmosphere at the event was electric, with participants not only racing their enhanced couches but also enjoying some friendly beer drinking along the way (sometimes even while racing, too!). The
race, which lasted from 2–6 p.m., brought together 16 incredible teams, each competing for two prestigious titles: the team that won the race and the one that was voted the crowd favorite. The team from CrossFit Exalted demonstrated incredible skill with both their couch and racing strategy, winning the championship trophy and earning bragging rights for their small business in Sanford. The crowd went wild as they finished the race, marking the end of a fun and exciting afternoon filled with teamwork, friendly competition, and a great sense of community! We were delighted to support an event that celebrated the creativity of small businesses and brought people in our community together. The 2023 Sofas and Suds Couch Races was an event to remember, and we can’t wait for next year’s race!
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Highlights From the 2023 Tom & Dan Bad at Business Beer Fest! SIP, SUPPORT, AND CELEBRATE
At DeWitt Law, we’re still reveling in the success of the Annual Tom & Dan Bad at Business Beer Fest, an event we proudly sponsored in November. Over 1,500 people came together on Nov. 18 in Historic Downtown Sanford to celebrate community, beer culture, and giving back. The annual festival, hosted by podcasters Tom Vann and Daniel Dennis, is a celebration of craft beer. This year, more than 30 craft beer vendors from across Florida showcased their brews at the festival. And unlike most beer festivals, all the beers at the Tom & Dan Bad at Business Beer Fest are free. The festival also has a fundraising component with the proceeds benefitting the Yellow Brick Road Foundation, a nonprofit that serves families affected by congenital heart disease. In addition to supporting a good cause, we also had the opportunity to give away a lot of free Just Call Moe merch. This was our way of showing appreciation to everyone who made our day so special. Beer Fest 2023 was a blast. Here’s to next year — we’ll be counting down the days!
FREE LEGAL GUIDES
World’s Best Brownies
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
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2/3 cup butter
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. 2. Melt butter and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 3. In a large bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then add melted chocolate mixture and blend well. 4. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. 5. Gradually add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring until blended, then stir in nuts if desired. 6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. 7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2 oz unsweetened chocolate 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup all- purpose flour 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1/4 tsp salt
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Shop.JustCallMoe.com
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A Parent’s Guide to Teen Driving Awareness Month
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From Tragedy to Outrage: Ethan Couch’s Sentencing and ‘Affluenza’
Highlights From the 2023 Sofas and Suds Couch Races
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Our Unforgettable Day at the Tom & Dan Bad at Business Beer Fest
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World’s Best Brownies
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How to Elevate Your Family’s Movie Nights
INNOVATIVE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT IDEAS Lights, Camera, Action!
Family movie nights are a cherished tradition in many households, offering a chance to bond over cinematic adventures and entertainment. While the classic movie night with popcorn and your go-to films is always enjoyable, why not shake things up with creative and unique ideas to make these evenings even more memorable? Here are some imaginative ways to enhance your family movie night experience. Outdoor Movie Night Take your movie night under the stars by setting up an outdoor screening. All you need is a projector, a white sheet or screen, and comfy outdoor seating. Enjoy the fresh air, watch the stars above, and immerse yourself in the magic of outdoor cinema. Themed Movie Night Select a theme for your movie night. It could be based on a film genre, a specific actor, or a series. For example, a “Harry Potter” theme
could include all the movies from the series along with themed snacks and decorations. Classic Film Night Introduce your children (or spouse) to classic childhood hits or rediscover them together as a family. From “The Wizard of Oz” to “E.T.,” these movies offer timeless entertainment for everyone. Costume Movie Night Encourage your family to dress up as characters from the movie on deck for the night. It adds a layer of fun and immersion to your film-watching experience. Movie Bingo Create bingo cards with scenes, quotes, or characters from the film you’re about to watch. As you watch the movie, mark off the items on your bingo card as you see them. The first person to get bingo wins a prize.
Movie Trivia Night After watching the movie, have a trivia game based on the movie you just watched. Whoever answers the most questions correctly gets to choose the next movie! With these creative ideas, your family movie nights will become even more special. Whether you’re enjoying the great outdoors, dressing up as your favorite characters, or challenging each other to movie trivia, these memorable experiences will bring your family closer together while creating lasting memories.
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