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Criminal Defense State and Federal Law Se Habla Español
The Medlin News
JULY 2026
The Fun of Growing Up SUMMER, YOUTH, AND WIDE-OPEN DAYS
With summer in full swing, I’ve been thinking about youth and the parts of it that stay with us the longest. If I could go back and relive one stretch from that part of my life, it would probably be when I was 13 to 16. That was a good age. I was old enough to start doing more
hard to beat about the speed, the cold air, and the challenge of getting a little better every year.
It wasn’t just the fun of it all that made those years memorable, though. There’s also something special about the way we see the world at that age. When you’re 13 or 14, you don’t spend much time thinking about
on my own, but I hadn’t stepped into the real responsibilities that start showing up soon after, like a part-time job, college, and the rest of early adulthood. What really made that time special for me was the freedom it brought. A bicycle could take me anywhere I wanted to go, and before long, having a car opened up even more. I think that was a big part of the fun. I wasn’t relying on my parents to take me everywhere anymore, and that made the world feel bigger and more exciting. That’s probably why most
everything that could go wrong. That’s probably not always wise, but it does make life a lot less stressful. You feel pretty close to invincible, and because of that, you are more willing to try things, learn things, and push yourself a
little. I think adults often go too far in the other direction. We get older, we learn more, and with that comes a longer list of worries and limitations.
But childhood also had its share of rough spots. For most of us, there were plenty of times that were awkward, uncertain, and full of trial and error. I’m happy to be the age I am right now, and I wouldn’t trade away what life has taught me along the way. That said, it would probably do me some good to bring a little more youthful thinking into my day and remember
of my clearest memories from that time are tied to the things that gave me that feeling.
For me, biking and skiing are the two things that stand out the most in my mind. They were completely different, of
that we don’t need much to enjoy ourselves.
course, but both have that same mix of motion and independence. Riding bikes with friends meant I could head out and be gone for hours and feel like the day belonged to me. Skiing had its own kind of excitement. I was around 13 the first time I went, and I can still remember what those early rides felt like. Our family took a ski trip every winter for about 10 years. I always looked forward to it. There was something
As a kid, even ordinary life had a way of feeling full. A lot of it came down to being present and curious and not needing every moment to lead somewhere. That’s not a bad thing to try to hold onto.
– Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
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NO PRESSURE, JUST PEDALS
START CYCLING AGAIN WITHOUT OVERTHINKING IT
Do you remember the feeling of riding a bike as a kid with no destination and just the thrill of moving? That same feeling is still there, waiting for you. Cycling has a way of turning an ordinary day into something a little more exciting without any competition. Instead, it’s about getting outside, clearing your head, and enjoying the ride. Start simple. (Seriously, keep it easy.) One of the largest myths surrounding cycling is that you need expensive equipment or long-distance goals right away. However, all you need is a bike that fits you and a helmet. Everything else can come later.
is a perfect starting point. Focus on getting comfortable and learning how to balance, brake smoothly, and shift gears without overthinking it. As your confidence grows, you can increase your distance and challenge yourself more. Get comfortable with the basics. Before you try to ride faster or farther, get familiar with the fundamentals. Adjust your seat height so your legs have a slight bend at the bottom of every pedal stroke. Practice starting and stopping without wobbling. You’ll be surprised by how these skills make a huge difference in the enjoyment of your ride. Learning how to use your gears is also key. Gears aren’t just for hills; they help you maintain a steady rhythm and avoid burning out too
quickly. Aim for a comfortable pedaling pace rather than pushing too hard.
Put safety first, always. The best way to ensure cycling remains a fun activity is to prioritize safety. Wear a helmet every time you ride, follow traffic rules, and stay alert to your surroundings. Carry essentials (such as your phone, water, and a basic repair kit) in case something goes wrong. Build momentum, not pressure. Here’s the secret: Consistency beats intensity. You don’t need to ride far or fast, but make sure you ride regularly. Set small, achievable goals, like riding three times a week or adding an extra mile to your route. Celebrate those wins. They add up quickly and keep you motivated.
Begin with short, easy rides around your neighborhood or a local path. Even 15–20 minutes
THE CASE YOU THOUGHT WENT AWAY Silence Is Not a Clean Slate
When a criminal case goes quiet, it can be easy to assume that means it’s over. Maybe you were arrested, questioned, or got a citation and haven’t heard anything since. That kind of silence can be very misleading. In Texas, charges don’t always get filed right away, and a delay doesn’t mean the matter has disappeared. That can happen for a few reasons. Police reports may still be under review, or a prosecutor may be awaiting additional evidence. In felony cases, the matter may need to go through a grand jury before formal charges are brought. None of that feels fast to the person waiting, but it is part of how the system works. Texas law also gives the state a certain amount of time to file charges, the amount depending on the offense. Some charges carry longer time limits than others, and certain serious felonies have no limits at all. That’s why it can be a
mistake to assume that a few quiet weeks or months mean you are in the clear.
The way a case is filed can also affect how it shows up later. Felony cases in Texas generally move forward by indictment, which can delay the process. Misdemeanors are usually filed by information, but they can still take time to work through review and filing. Both situations can look like nothing’s happening from the outside, even though paperwork is still moving through the system. Some people may not know their case is active until a court date is set, a background check flags it, or a lawyer checks the file directly. That’s why it can help to get ahead of the issue. A lawyer can often determine whether a case has been filed, which court it is in, and whether any deadlines or appearances are already in effect. If you’re not sure where your case stands, we can help you get answers before the situation becomes more complicated.
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WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE YOU GO Your First Day in Court
It’s perfectly natural to feel nervous ahead of your first court appearance, especially if it’s a process you’ve never gone through before. However, those nerves are often there because people expect something very different from what usually happens. In Texas, the first hearing after an arrest is typically a magistrate appearance. State law requires that an arrested person be taken before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and no later than 48 hours after the arrest. At that hearing, the court advises the person of the accusation, explains important rights, addresses the right to request appointed counsel if the person can’t afford a lawyer, and may address bond. Many people assume this hearing is an arraignment. That isn’t always true. An arraignment is a separate step in some cases, and it can be
waived in certain situations. Knowing which hearing you’re facing takes a lot of the stress out of it. It also helps to know that the first court date usually sets the schedule rather than the outcome. Following the initial magistrate appearance, the case usually moves to a separate court setting. The focus here is practical. The judge may confirm the charge, address whether the person has a lawyer, and set the case for another date. Bond conditions can also come up again, especially if there are questions about compliance or requests for changes. What typically does not happen at that stage is a full airing of the facts. People sometimes walk in expecting to explain everything and walk out with the case behind them. Most of the time, that’s not how it works. They may feel brief and a bit procedural, but it’s always important to take these early hearings seriously. Be prepared to show up on time and dress appropriately for the situation. Follow all bond conditions, and don’t miss court. Just as important, don’t try to talk your way out of the case in the hallway or in front of the judge. Remember, a lot can turn on these early appearances. The more prepared you are going in, the easier it is to avoid mistakes that only make things harder later.
Flank Steak Tacos
Ingredients • 1 tsp paprika
• 1 lb flank steak • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1 small red onion, finely diced • 1/3 cup cilantro • 1 ripe avocado, diced • 1 tbsp lime juice • 8 small flour tortillas
Directions 1. Heat grill to medium heat. • 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp chili powder • 1/2 tsp dried oregano • 1/4 tsp onion powder • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 tsp sea salt, divided
2. In a small bowl, combine first 7 seasoning ingredients with 1/2 tsp sea salt. 3. Brush steak with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle seasoning mixture on both sides. 4. Grill steak for 2–4 minutes per side. 5. Remove steak from grill and let it rest. 6. In a bowl, stir together 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 tbsp olive oil, onion, cilantro, avocado, and lime juice. 7. Heat flour tortillas on the grill. 8. Slice the grilled flank steak into 1/4-inch strips. Assemble your tacos and enjoy!
For resources, practice areas, and more, scan the QR code to visit our website, MedlinFirm.com
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1300 South University Drive Suite 318 Fort Worth, TX 76107 682-499-9222 MedlinFirm.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Remembering the Freedom of Childhood
2. A Fun, No-Stress Guide to Cycling
When Charges Show Up Later
3. The Truth About First Hearings in Texas
Flank Steak Tacos
4. A Decade-Old Mystery Just Turned 1 Bird Into 2
They Thought It Was the Same Bird DNA SAID OTHERWISE
Humans have been around for a long time, and you’d think we would have discovered everything hiding on our planet, but nature keeps throwing us curveballs. In fact, experts estimate that we discover around 16,000 new species of plants, fungi, insects, and animals every year. Most of these discoveries won’t make headlines, nor will
they ever impact your life, but every once in a while, we learn something that could change how we view our environment and the world. Earlier this year, Japanese researchers discovered a new species of rare bird. To be clear, scientists didn’t expedition to an uninhabited island or make some startling discovery in the deep reaches of space. They found that the Ijima’s Leaf Warbler is actually two different, distinct species. The new species will now be known as the Tokara Leaf Warbler. To the naked eye, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell the two warblers apart. Even the most experienced birders may not notice a difference in their appearance or song. Around 10 years ago, scientists discovered DNA differences between warblers on the Izu Islands and those on the Tokara Islands. Even though they lived more than 600 miles apart,
they were still classified as the same species until science enabled experts to sequence their DNA, perform full-genome analysis, and compare their songs. Their findings proved that the two birds are different. This discovery marks a major step forward for identification and conservation efforts. With genetic tools, researchers can uncover hidden biodiversity, deepen their understanding of ecosystems, and develop more effective strategies to protect and support the world’s most vulnerable species. Ijima’s Leaf Warbler is already considered a vulnerable species, and researchers are calling for the Tokara variant to receive the same status. The next time you hear or see a bird while taking a walk, give it a closer look. It may be a brand-new discovery, even if something similar already exists in nature.
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