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Criminal Defense State and Federal Law Immigration Law Se Habla Español
The Medlin News
JANUARY 2026
A Case I’ll Never Forget INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
An attorney handles many cases over the course of their career. But some stay with you.
My client didn’t feel like he had a choice. Later, the shooter drove him somewhere, gave him some of the cash, and told him to keep quiet. My client didn’t report anything because he was scared. The man had already killed once in front of him. When I began reviewing the evidence, something stood out to me. Among all the items collected by the police was a winning scratch-off ticket. That ticket matched exactly what my client said. He had told the truth. The prosecution had given the shooter a deal in exchange for his testimony, and he took the stand at trial. His arms were covered in tattoos, with some of them showing murder-related gang codes. I cross-examined him about those markings and about what really happened in the store. He eventually admitted that he came in on his own and hadn’t talked to my client at all before robbing and killing the clerk. However, he still claimed my client knew what was going down. The jury didn’t buy that story, though. They believed my client.
up in his eyes. He had been carrying the weight of a possible life sentence for months, and in an instant, it was lifted. The jury believed he had been coerced into a terrible situation. They saw him as a human being, not just a name on a file. I’ve handled many serious cases since then, but that one has always stuck with me. Capital murder cases almost never end in acquittal. To win a not guilty verdict just a few years into private practice was rare. But more than anything, it reminded me why I do this work. As defense attorneys, we’re often the only line of protection between a person and the full force of government. The prosecution has unlimited resources, staff, and time. The accused has one advocate. Just one. That responsibility is never lost on me.
About three years into running my criminal defense practice, I was appointed to a capital murder case. It was the kind of case where the stakes couldn’t be higher. My client was facing life in prison, and the evidence against him looked bad on the surface. The story was that a gang member walked into a convenience store, robbed the clerk, and shot him. My client took the cash from the clerk and left the scene with the shooter. The shooter told the police my client was in on it from the beginning. The prosecution took the statement and used it to build their case. But from the first time I met him, my client insisted he was innocent. He said he’d only gone into the store to buy scratch-off tickets on his way to a New Year’s Eve party. One of them was a winner. While he was inside waiting for the clerk to pay him for the ticket, the shooter came in, pulled a gun on the clerk, and pointed a gun at my client, too. He told my client to grab the money and come with him.
Cases like this reaffirm what I believe about our jury system. It’s not perfect, but it’s still one
of the best safeguards of individual liberty we have. When it works, justice has a real chance.
– Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
When the verdict came in, my client sank into his chair and let out a long breath. Tears welled
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KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH GRATITUDE ONE JAR, COUNTLESS SMILES
Prepare the supplies. Cut paper into squares (3-by-3 inches works nicely) and have pens, crayons, or markers nearby. If someone doesn’t love writing, they can draw, circle options, or dictate for an adult to write. Have extras ready so you’re never scrambling.
The start of a new year always feels like a blank page full of possibilities. While many families dive into resolutions and goal-setting, try another tradition just as powerful (and a lot more fun): creating a family gratitude jar. Instead of focusing on what to change, this little project helps you notice and celebrate what’s already good in your life. With nothing more than a jar,
something specific, even if it’s small, like “the puppy barking” or “a funny joke.” Give them space. Then have them write or draw it, slip it into the jar, and (if you like) share aloud. Make it meaningful later. Open the jar together once a month or at the end of the year and read through the notes. You’ll be surprised how small moments you may have forgotten feel powerful all over again. Use them to spark intention for the coming year: “I want more of that,” or “Let’s do more kind acts like this.” Starting a gratitude jar is about building a modest, consistent habit that opens your eyes to abundance. Over time, the jar becomes a treasure chest of your family’s stories, reminders, and unseen miracles. That collective memory anchors your family in kindness, wonder, and connection as each new year unfolds!
Set a daily ritual. Decide together when you’ll pause to think and share. It could be after dinner, tucked into bedtime routines, or first thing in the morning. What matters is consistency. Stick with it long enough that it becomes part of your rhythm. Use a simple prompt. Here’s an easy method: Ask each person, “What was a bright moment today?” Encourage them to name
scraps of paper, and a few minutes daily, you can build a collection of joyful moments your family will treasure all year. Pick a container. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A mason jar, decorated tin, or clear plastic container all work as long as they can sit where you’ll see them daily.
LEGAL RECORDS THAT LINGER ONLINE Cleaning Up Your Digital Past
People often assume their legal troubles are over once the case is resolved, but many are surprised to learn that their arrest and court records still appear when someone searches their name online. That means even if you weren’t convicted, your name could still appear in online databases, news stories, or background check reports long after the incident. Under the Texas Government Code, the public has the right to access information maintained by governmental bodies. That includes criminal case files and court proceedings. Once a record is available to the public, private websites may copy and repost that information. Some of these are mugshot sites. Others are automated watchers or background data brokers that scrape data from government sources. There’s also the search engine factor. Once your name appears online, Google and other search engines can index that page. So, even if the original source updates or deletes the content, the cached version may still appear in search results for some time. This can affect job opportunities, housing, and even social relationships.
charge a fee or ignore requests. And even if one site removes your information,
others may still host it. If the record came from a local law enforcement agency, it may remain accessible through that agency’s own portal or through the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal History Search. That said, you can still do a few things if you’re worried about what shows up under your name. First, search your name regularly. Next, review any court documents for errors or outdated information. You can also try to build positive search results by setting up a LinkedIn profile, building a professional website, or working with a reputation management company to create high-ranking online content. Taking small steps to manage your digital footprint can make a real difference. Legal remedies, such as expunction and nondisclosure, may also be applicable in certain cases. An attorney can confirm if this is an option and help you understand what’s public, what’s private, and what steps you can take to regain some control.
Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to make this information disappear. You can request removal from some private sites, but many
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UNDERSTANDING 2 KEY IMMIGRATION AGENCIES USCIS vs. ICE When people hear the word “immigration,” it’s easy these days to picture badges and arrests. However, not all immigration agencies operate the same way. In fact, the two main federal agencies involved in immigration, USCIS and ICE, have completely different missions. If you or a loved one is dealing with immigration issues, it helps to know the difference. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the agency most people interact with when applying for legal immigration services. That includes green cards, work permits, visas, DACA renewals, and naturalization. USCIS handles paperwork, reviews evidence, and conducts interviews. Officers may request additional information or issue decisions on a case, but they don’t make arrests or conduct raids. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plays a very different role. When people fear being “picked up” or deported, they’re usually thinking of ICE. Its main responsibility is upholding immigration law after someone has entered the country. That means ICE may detain individuals who are undocumented, overstayed a visa, or violated immigration terms. In some situations, they work with law enforcement to identify people for renewal. ICE officers may also be involved in investigating smuggling, trafficking, and other serious offenses.
These two agencies don’t always operate in sync, and it’s important not to confuse them with each other. USCIS may send a letter requesting that you appear for an interview, but that doesn’t mean you’re under arrest. In some complex cases, especially if you have a past deportation order or criminal history, it’s smart to have legal support before dealing with either agency. An attorney can review your case and help you avoid unintentional risk. Knowing who does what won’t fix the system, but it can help you better protect yourself. At The Medlin Law Firm, we have decades of combined experience handling immigration cases and are here to guide you through the process one step at a time.
Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
Ingredients • 3 dried guajillo chiles • 2 dried ancho chiles • 1 medium onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes • 3 lbs beef chuck roast • 2 cups beef broth • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp dried oregano • 2 tsp ground cumin • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp salt • Pepper, to taste • Corn tortillas • Fresh cilantro and diced onion for garnish
For resources, practice areas, and more, scan the QR code to visit our website, MedlinFirm.com
Directions 1. Soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes. 2. Process chiles, onion, garlic, and tomatoes in a blender until smooth. 3. Place beef in a slow cooker and pour the chili mixture over it. 4. Add beef broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. 5. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or until the beef is tender. 6. Shred the beef using forks, then mix back into the sauce. 7. Fry tortillas in oil until crispy, then assemble tacos as desired.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Remembering a Life-Changing Verdict
2. End the Year With a Jar Full of Joyful Memories
Google’s Memory of Arrests
3. 2 Sides of Immigration in America
Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
4. Bite-Size Family Activities That Fit Your Schedule
No More ‘Rinse and Repeat’ CREATIVE WAYS TO BREAK UP THE DAILY GRIND
Ongoing Dinner Board Games Extend the dinner table experience by introducing a board game that spans multiple nights. You can pause and resume games like Monopoly or Clue over several evenings. It’s a great way to stay connected all week long! Dance Party Snack Break Inject some energy into your evening by turning snack time into a mini dance party. Play your family’s favorite tunes and let loose together, creating joyful memories and a fun atmosphere. Living Room Obstacle Course Use pillows, chairs, and other household items to transform your living room into an obstacle course. This activity encourages physical activity and teamwork, all within the comfort of your home.
Family Storytelling Circle Gather the family in a circle and take turns adding sentences to a story. This collaborative activity sparks creativity and often results in hilarious and imaginative tales. Talk about memory-making! Impromptu Craft Sessions Keep a box of craft supplies handy for on-the-spot art sessions. Even 15 minutes of drawing, coloring, or simple DIY projects can provide a satisfying creative outlet for both kids and adults. Pajama Walks Under the Moon On clear nights, consider a short walk around the neighborhood in your pajamas. This simple activity offers fresh air, a change of scenery, and a unique way to end the day together.
Breakfast, school, work, dinner, rinse, and repeat.
Busy weeknights often leave little room for quality family time. However, with a bit of creativity and intentionality, you can transform even the most hectic evenings into memorable bonding moments. Here are seven engaging, low-prep activities that fit seamlessly into your evening routine. Screen-Free Time After Dinner Designate a window of 30–45 minutes after dinner as a screen-free time for the entire family. This intentional time allows for uninterrupted conversations, taking a walk, playing a favorite sport outside, or enjoying each other’s company without digital distractions. You can even create a “screen bucket/basket” for everyone’s phone or tablet during this designated time.
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