Take a look at our October newsletter!
Criminal Defense State and Federal Law Immigration Law Se Habla Español
The Medlin News
OCTOBER 2024
Thank You, Stephanie and Yazmin! RECOGNIZING OUR DEDICATED PARALEGALS
When you hire an attorney, you do so with the expectation that you are hiring an experienced legal professional who can help you navigate some of life’s most stressful moments. At Medlin Law Firm, our attorneys are committed to providing this experience for every client, but we’re also the first to admit we can’t do it alone. I recently learned that Oct. 23 is National Paralegal Day. I’m a little ashamed to admit I had never heard of this holiday, but since learning about it, I knew we had to do something to honor the two paralegals who are foundational to our clients and the firm’s successes. Every member of our team at Medlin Law Firm is crucial, but it’s the meticulous work paralegals Stephanie and Yazmin do every month that ensures our clients’ needs are met. Paralegals are trained, certified legal experts who conduct case research, draft documents, and organize case materials. Their role is to take on some of the more tedious legal and clerical tasks of an
attorney is in court or preparing for the larger aspects of a case, Stephanie and Yazmin can use their knowledge of both the law and the client’s case to answer questions. They don’t give out legal advice, but they can provide clients with comfort and updates while answering common questions. One area of our firm in particular where Stephanie and Yazmin’s knowledge is invaluable is our immigration law division. This area of law involves a lot of paperwork, including motions, forms to fill out, and general correspondence. Those working on these cases must be vigilant and pay attention to detail. Knowing we can trust Yazmin and Stephanie to do the bulk of this clerical work ensures our attorneys can focus on the larger aspects of their case while nothing else is missed. This October, I’m proud to say I have paralegals like Stephanie and Yazmin working for our firm and our clients. Their knowledge and hard work are pivotal to what we do at Medlin Law Firm, and I hope you will join me in thanking them for their work.
attorney, which allows the attorney to focus on larger aspects of a case, such as going to court. (Attorneys review the work paralegals do, as well. It’s a collaborative working relationship.) Without Stephanie and Yazmin’s keen eye for detail and dedication to high-quality work, our attorneys would be overwhelmed, and clients’ cases would be challenging to maintain. If you have worked with our team before, you have likely worked with Stephanie or Yazmin. While an
Thank you, Stephanie and Yazmin. And happy National Paralegal Day!
– Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
P.S. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also thank our legal assistants at Medlin Law Firm. These experts perform similar tasks to our paralegals and are pivotal to our work. While their national holiday isn’t until March, I’d like to recognize their dedication to their work every day. Thank you!
Stephanie
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NAMING NO-NOS WHY SOME BABY NAMES ARE FORBIDDEN
Symbols and Non-English Letters In 2020, Elon Musk made waves when he and his girlfriend Grimes named their baby boy X Æ A-Xii. If you are struggling to pronounce that name, you are not alone. However, depending on the baby’s birth state, that name may run afoul of the law. In New York, for instance, symbols like hyphens, asterisks, and apostrophes are not allowed. California law prohibits pictographs and non-English characters. These rules are often due to the software used to keep records of people’s names and are common across many states. If you must name your baby something numerical or inappropriate, I recommend moving to Kentucky. It is one of the few states with no significant rules regarding naming children.
I would like to start by apologizing to super fans of the 1995 crime drama “Se7en,” who thought they had their baby’s name all picked out. While it’s fine to include a number in a movie’s title, putting a number in a baby’s name is usually illegal. Depending on your state, some rules apply to the length, letters, and symbols that may be legally included in a name. Here are three specific restrictions some states impose for naming your child. Derogatory, Obscene, or Offensive Some of the most common naming rules are to prevent someone from giving their baby a particularly heinous name. A baby’s name cannot be offensive, obscene, or include derogatory terms. Additionally, some monikers, like “King,” “Queen,” and
“Santa Claus,” might not seem offensive but are still considered illegal. Other banned names include “Jesus Christ,” “Adolf Hitler,” “Messiah,” and “Nutella.” Say No to Math If you have ever wondered why you’ve never met someone from Canton or Cleveland named R2-D2 or 42069, there is a legal reason for that. Some states, including Ohio, New Jersey, and Virginia, forbid using numbers in baby names. However, this is not true across the board. States like Illinois, California, and Florida have no specific rules against including numbers in names. New York, however, forbids using numbers and mandates the maximum length of all first names to be 30 characters long or less.
Assault With a Deadly Weapon? Fight Back With Expertise
Facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon can be an overwhelming experience, but an experienced assault lawyer is a crucial ally in navigating the complex legal landscape and securing the best possible outcome for your case. According to the Texas Penal Code, assault occurs when an individual intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person. This offense also includes threatening physical harm and making unwelcome physical contact. When a deadly weapon is involved, the charge escalates to aggravated assault. The law defines a weapon as any item capable of causing serious harm or death, including guns, knives, explosives, and even vehicles. Importantly, the weapon doesn’t have to be used to cause harm for the act to be considered aggravated assault — simply displaying or threatening to use it is enough to elevate the offense. A skilled assault lawyer is your most valuable asset when facing these charges. They carefully analyze the details of your case, uncover the facts, and build a robust defense tailored to your unique circumstances. An experienced assault attorney is an investigator, negotiator, and courtroom tactician rolled into one. They pore over
evidence, interview witnesses, and scrutinize the prosecution’s case for weaknesses, developing a comprehensive strategy to protect your rights. Their negotiation skills can potentially lead to reduced penalties, while their preparedness and experience ensure a strong presentation and defense of your case in the courtroom. When defending against aggravated assault with deadly weapon charges, an experienced lawyer can employ a variety of strategies, such as establishing self-defense, proving lack of intent, challenging the prosecution’s identification of the perpetrator, demonstrating duress or coercion, or even establishing insanity or diminished capacity. At The Medlin Law Firm, our dedicated criminal defense attorneys are committed to defending your rights and ensuring you don’t face these daunting charges alone. We understand the fear and complexity of these cases and work tirelessly to explore all options and tailor our defense tactics to achieve the most favorable outcome possible. Don’t face this challenge alone — seek the guidance of The Medlin Law Firm, where our comprehensive legal support can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
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THE IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION PAROLE Seeking Refuge, Finding Hope
The United States has long been a beacon of hope for those seeking a better life. At the heart of this promise lies the immigration parole process, a crucial mechanism that provides temporary entry for individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. As we explore the intricacies of this system, we’ll uncover its pivotal role in shaping the American narrative. Defining Immigration Parole Immigration parole is a discretionary authority granted to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that allows the temporary entry of individuals into the United States for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. This unique pathway offers a lifeline to those who may not qualify for traditional visa categories but still require immediate assistance. Qualifying for Parole The criteria for immigration parole are stringent and designed to ensure the program benefits those in dire need. Applicants must demonstrate compelling circumstances, such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or threats to personal safety. Additionally, the individual’s presence in the
U.S. must provide a significant public good through scientific, educational, or economic contributions.
The Application Process Navigating the parole application can be daunting, but the journey becomes more manageable with the right guidance. Prospective applicants must submit a detailed request to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), outlining the exceptional circumstances and providing supporting documentation. The agency then thoroughly reviews the case, weighing the potential benefits against the potential risks to national security and public safety. The Importance of Immigration Parole Beyond individual cases, immigration parole plays a vital role in upholding the principles of compassion and fairness that define the American identity. By providing an avenue for those in dire need, the program ensures that the nation’s doors remain open to the most vulnerable, strengthening our global reputation and reinforcing our commitment to human rights. If you or someone you know is facing extraordinary circumstances and may qualify for immigration parole, contact the experts at The Medlin Law Firm. By understanding the process and advocating for those in need, we can contribute to the ongoing future of the American dream, one story at a time.
Ultimate Baked Ziti
Ingredients
• 1 (16 oz) package of dried ziti pasta • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes • 1 cup ricotta cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Cook ziti according to package instructions. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onion and garlic until softened. 4. Add marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. 5. Stir in the cooked ziti and season with salt and pepper. 6. Transfer mixture to baking dish. 7. Top with ricotta and mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Directions
For resources, practice areas, and more, scan the QR code to visit our website, MedlinFirm.com.
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Criminal Defense | State and Federal Law | Immigration Law | Se Habla Español
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Help Us Thank Our Paralegals!
2. Forbidden Baby Names
Don’t Face Assault Charges Alone
3. Pathways to the American Dream
Ultimate Baked Ziti
4. Essential Manners Kids Should Learn
Build Character With Manners
3 Behaviors to Teach Your Kids
Kids these days! They don’t know how to curtsy before their lords, stay stoic and straight- faced when photographed,
something, remind them to say, “Please.” When someone has done something for them, remind them to say, “Thank you.” You also need to model the practice and return the same courtesy! It shows how important it is for everyone to have good manners. Make an introduction. Greetings and introductions may seem trivial; however, they are anything but. Properly introducing yourself, especially on the phone, is pivotal to starting a relationship or phone call on the right foot. It also gives you more authority and respect for the remainder of the conversation and beyond. Learn to be helpful. No act is more endearing to others than offering a helping hand. Whether mowing your neighbor’s lawn, staying after class to help your teacher clean up, or lending a hand in dinner prep with a parent, acts of kindness can help build character. They are also a great way to forge new friendships and cement current relationships, as you never know what others are going through, and a bit of help may be just what they need.
or duel to the death when someone besmirches their honor. In all seriousness, while some courtesies have gone out of fashion, there are still manners your kids should know. Manners are essential for people of all ages and can significantly improve your kids’ social standing, success, and behavior in the years to come. Here are three need-to-know manners to teach your kids.
What’s the magic word? It may sound simple, but no common courtesy is more important than knowing when to say “Please” and “Thank you.” It also helps establish a model of good behavior and parental respect that is important to reinforce in children. When your children ask for
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