Medlin Law Firm - October 2024

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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