Take a look at our April newsletter!
Criminal Defense State and Federal Law Immigration Law Se Habla Español
The Medlin News
APRIL 2025
honestly admit, “I’ve had two drinks.” And before they knew it, they were being hauled in on a DWI. The whole problem would never have arisen if they had not been trying to use their phone in some way! The mere proximity of your cell phone can be hazardous. Many drivers think, “Oh, I won’t use it while driving,” but then trick themselves into thinking they can do “just one little thing.” Or they get a call or reach for the phone to read an incoming text. This often leads to weaving or changing lanes without a signal. Then they’re pulled over — and it goes downhill from there. And no matter how talented or dextrous your fingers are, glancing at your phone is a safety hazard. If you are traveling only thirty mph and look at your phone for just one second, your vehicle travels 44 feet — a big enough distance to swerve off the road or hit a pedestrian, animal, or another vehicle. Although cell phone use is the most common cause of distracted driving, there are plenty of other ways to lose focus. In the past, drivers could adjust their audio system, climate control, and other functions by feeling for a knob or button. But now, these controls are embedded in touchscreens that the driver must look at and touch in a precise spot to get the outcome they want. This is nearly impossible to do without taking your eyes off the road.
phones at a stoplight. At least you’re not actually moving, but if the light turns green and you are still sitting there, you’re likely to trigger angry honking and frustration among other drivers and possibly a ticket for failing to yield. Remember these risks when you get behind the wheel. If you get a call, pull over! Or at least use Bluetooth rather than holding the phone. Also, if you are pulled over for distracted driving, you aren’t obligated to answer an officer’s questions. You are only legally required to provide your driver’s license and proof of insurance. Beyond that, tell the officer, “I invoke my right to remain silent.” Officers are usually shocked when a driver says that; so few people respond that way that they don’t know what to do, and some get flustered. In some cases, remaining silent is enough to limit the consequences of getting pulled over to a warning rather than a ticket. If you are cited for distracted driving, DWI, or other driving offenses, please call our office for help. Our experienced attorneys will examine the evidence and develop a strategy to provide you with the best possible defense! – Gary L. Medlin, Esq.
For many drivers, a simple glance at their cell phone is all it takes to plunge them into a world of trouble. In recognition of April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it is a good time to consider the numerous ways using your cell phone behind the wheel can lead to accidents and arrests. Many of our clients’ legal problems began when they glanced at a text or dropped their phone and tried to reach for it while driving. They may have been pulled over for distracted driving but wound up getting charged with another crime. Perhaps an officer saw them swerve or weave, pulled them over, and asked if they’d been drinking. Like many nervous drivers, their first reaction was to start talking and
Another common mistake drivers make is to tell themselves it’s OK to use their
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Box Away the Bad Habits With the Mindsight Lock Box Locked In and Laser-Focused
What if you could lock your worst habits away in a box? The Mindsight Lock Box is your new productivity security system, allowing you to hide your biggest distractions and cravings out of sight. The simple device is the perfect place to stow your smartphone when it’s time to catch some z’s or to trap your credit cards until payday. Whether you are trying to tackle time management or improve your mindfulness, this device is like a secret vault for the habits and triggers holding you back. Are you ready to unlock a new state of mind and improve your well-being? Lock It Up, Level Up The lock box is all about transforming habits, including reducing screen time on phones and other devices, improving money management, reducing cravings, and allowing you to be more present in your life and relationships. You just choose the gadget, snack, credit card, vape, or video
game that breaks your focus, put it inside the box, and lock it for a set duration.
steps. Once you know what you want to accomplish, create time blocks for it. Start by setting your lockbox for a 30-minute or hour interval and placing your phone or other distractions inside. Use this time to focus solely on the task at hand to see your productivity improve. It’s normal to feel discomfort or fear of missing out when you can’t access your phone, so remind yourself you can scroll again as soon as the timer runs out.
Laws of Behavior Change Mindsight’s device seamlessly aligns with author James Clear’s four laws of behavior change: To break a bad habit, you must make it invisible, unattractive, difficult, and unsatisfying. The lock box helps you develop greater self-control and establish new patterns. The human mind has to refocus every time you switch from one activity to the next, so a timed box like this one can eliminate distractions and give you more clarity to work in time blocks.
A Productivity Plan To maximize Mindsight’s lockbox, you need to set clear goals and create a schedule. Identify your most important tasks, goals, and projects and break them into small, actionable
Fun-Filled Lineup: Can’t-Miss Events in April
Our North Texas region is one of the country’s fastest-growing areas, and we enjoy a rich array of arts, sports, and cultural events to match. As spring unfolds in Texas, here is just a sampling of the diverse entertainment offerings.
throw away” from live rodeo action. Single-day tickets start at $29 and can be purchased at AmericanRodeo.com .
Williams’ Comedy See veteran comedian Brad Williams in his Growth Spurt Tour at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. Williams, who was born with a congenital condition that causes dwarfism, has been featured in numerous TV shows and films and also was the lead comic in Cirque du Soleil’s “Mad Apple” show in Las Vegas. Critics nationwide have praised him as hilarious, and Williams has said his manager describes him as “huggable and lovable” even when he is uttering his edgiest, most risque jokes. Tickets start at $21 on Ticketmaster. World of Titans A concert promising to immerse fans of “Attack on Titan” into the world inhabited by the anime stars of this epic saga is set for 7 p.m. Sunday, April 20, at the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie. This “Attack on Titan Beyond the Walls World Tour” has been performed at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater and New York’s Carnegie Hall. It brings rock musicians together with a symphonic orchestra to perform some of the fans’ favorite pieces from the anime series. Coupling excerpts from the soundtrack with synchronized scenes from the series, the performance promises an emotional experience for fans and lovers of powerful music. Tickets start at $49 at AXS.com .
Wild West
The American Rodeo Championship Weekend launches Friday and Saturday, April 11–12, at Globe Life Field in Arlington. Watch professional cowboys, cowgirls, and amateur wannabes compete for cash prizes and championship honors in eight events,
including bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. Enjoy the best of Western culture
and revel in some family- friendly festivities. Country
music star Bailey Zimmerman will perform on Friday, followed by Riley Green and Ella Langley on Saturday. The Infield Party is a featured attraction, likened to “your favorite sports bar just a roper’s
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Fast Lane to Danger
adjusting the radio, eating, or applying makeup, can also cause drivers to swerve or change lanes without signaling.
RECKLESS DRIVING, REAL CONSEQUENCES FAST LANE TO DANGER
Penalties for reckless driving in Texas include fines up to $200, up to 30 days in jail, or both. Multiple convictions can bring more serious penalties, including points on your driver’s license and, ultimately, suspension of your license. Penalties may vary based on the severity of the driver’s misconduct and their history of violations. A skilled attorney with experience defending clients against reckless driving charges will challenge prosecutors’ evidence and seek alternative penalties, such as diversion into a safety course. Professional legal help can also help lower other penalties, such as reducing the time an offender is required to purchase SR-22 insurance (more expensive vehicle insurance required of drivers with several violations). Reckless drivers may also be hit by civil litigation on behalf of bystanders who were injured or sustained property damage. Our skilled attorneys can help defend clients against civil charges as well. Contact us today if you or someone you know is facing reckless driving charges. We will protect your legal rights and ensure you benefit from the strongest possible defense.
Reckless driving is on the rise.
Texas is among 15 states that have adopted broader limits on reckless driving since 2020, mainly by enacting more specific curbs on drag racing and reckless driving exhibitions. That is partly in response to rising public concern. Nearly half of Americans say people are driving less safely than they were five years ago, and 63% say speeding and aggressive driving, such as tailgating, running red lights, or weaving in and out of traffic, are major problems where they live, a recent Pew Research Center survey shows. As Gary writes on the cover of this newsletter, distractions behind the wheel, such as cell phone use, can also lead to reckless driving charges. Other interruptions, such as turning to look at a child in a rear seat,
Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients
• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 2 tbsp heavy cream • 1 lemon, zest and juice • 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F and season chicken with salt and pepper. 2. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 2 more minutes; remove from skillet and set aside. 3. Melt butter in skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake in oven for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through (165 F internal temperature). Garnish with parsley before serving.
For resources, practice areas, and more, scan the QR code to visit our website, MedlinFirm.com.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Distracted Driving Unleashes a Torrent of Trouble
2. Seal the Deal on Self-Control
April Events in DFW — Comedy, Cowboys, and the Arts
3. Reckless Driving Is Rising, and So Are the Penalties
Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
4. Trash-Bagging Makes Rainy Days Fun
Ditch the Screens and Grab a Trash Bag A NEW WAY TO PLAY OUTSIDE
Looking for a fun, wholesome way to bring the family together? “Trash-bagging” is a quirky, budget-friendly activity for adults and kids alike. Combining trash bags, rain, soap, and grassy hills, this outdoor pursuit, which became popular on social media, is a great way to embrace simple fun while creating lasting memories. How It Works Don’t let a little rain keep you from having a good time. Getting set up for trash-bagging takes only a few steps: Gear Up: Grab large plastic trash bags — at least one for each participant — and poke holes for your arms and head. These “sliding suits” keep you slick and ready to glide. Add the Soap: Using a squirt bottle, spray some soapy water onto the outside of the trash bag to create a slippery surface. Always use biodegradable soap safe for the grass and wildlife to protect the environment.
Let the Rain Do the Work: Trash-bagging is the perfect rainy day activity, as the rain naturally lubricates the hill and adds to the fun. If there is no rain, you can use a hose to create the same effect.
Slide and Repeat : Take turns sliding down the hill. To keep the fun going, reapply soapy water and replace sliding suits (i.e., trash bags).
Why It’s Worth Trying Trash-bagging is a unique way to enjoy quality family time. It’s incredibly budget-friendly — requiring only a few everyday items — and offers a creative alternative to expensive outings. This activity appeals to all ages, so you can get everyone involved and moving outdoors. Plus, trash-bagging is an excellent way to unplug from screens and reconnect. It reminds us that the best memories don’t require a Wi-Fi connection — just a little creativity and willingness to try something new.
Pick Your Hill: Choose a grassy hill free of rocks, sticks, and other debris. A gentle incline works best for safe and smooth sliding.
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