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Travel the World And You’ll Discover New Experiences and Cultures lymanfirm.com The Lyman Firm Newsletter TELEGRAPH Amicus Curiae www.LymanFirm.com 404-267-1986 February 2019 2860 Piedmont Road, Suite 275, Atlanta, GA 30305 The Truth About Lyman Beginning a Journey Starts with Dedication to Transparency T: 404 267 1986 F: 470 745 0699 The Lyman Firm Newsletter SEPTEMBER 2023
G eorgia is a blue-collar state — a grassroots mix of farmland, mountains, and urban development representing ever-expanding opportunities. Being a native of North Atlanta, I have spent most of my life in this fair state, cultivating both my character and my profession as I grew up. Now, I have a distinct opportunity to help those around me in ways I hadn’t anticipated in my younger days. I lead The Lyman Firm as a proud curator of justice for the everyday person, somebody who might not have gotten a fair shake before they met me. I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, and these are the everyday people — the heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right. My passions weren’t always for courtroom thrills, though. Growing up in Smyrna, I sought to chase a different kind of rush: the roar of the racetrack. I wasn’t half bad either, eventually taking my hobby for auto racing from amateur status in 2004 all the way to semi-pro in 2007. Unfortunately, like so many other things that went down along with the economy the following year, my racing career crashed in 2008. Shattered by the abrupt end to my racing journey due to a lack of financing, “I believe one person can be the face of a greater movement, and these are the everyday people — the heroes — I work for as I drive our cases forward to the fullest extent within our legal system, fighting for what’s right.”
external things can bring the same joy as traveling to new places and losing yourself in a different culture. There’s just something special about traveling to these places. And the only way to make the journey more enjoyable is to go with others. I love visiting new places because you never know what you’ll learn or see. I recently went to St. Barts, a French-speaking island in the Caribbean, with my girlfriend. We went to dinner one night and stopped at a little shop afterward, where we had a wonderful conversation with a lady from France. She told us about her hometown, Annecy, and showed us pictures. This city was built on canals and is essentially the Venice of France. I had never seen a place like it before. One of the best parts about the city is very few people know about it. We think of Paris or the French Riviera as the best places to visit in France, but now, I’m not so sure. I might just have to visit Annecy to see if it’s as pretty in person as in pictures. When you visit new locations, you open yourself to new ideas, experiences, and thought processes. . I had a friend in college that felt strongly about American culture. She thought it was the only way to live and didn’t have any tolerance for people of other backgrounds. I stumbled across her Facebook page a few years ago. She did a complete 180 with her ideology. She now lives in Jordan, is married to a man of a different faith, and even wears a full hijab. I sent her a message asking about her life and what changed. She said she did a study abroad program that pulled back the wool from her eyes. Traveling helps you gain a greater appreciation for our country and everything we have in our lives. Not everyone is as fortunate as us; Most people in the world don’t live as well off as we do. When you visit other nations, you’ll likely notice how developed and safe our country is in comparison. As we approach World Tourism Day, plan to visit somewhere you’ve always wanted to see. You never know what you’ll learn or experience until you go! That’s when I tell them that there are a million different lawyers out there doing a million different things, but when I take on your case for a serious injury or a wrongful death suit, you’ll remember me as a man who gave you the best possible chance while shooting you straight every step of the way. James and three-year-old daughter Cleo — I am fully immersed in the fun-loving, homely, and exciting life of my family. They are my foundation, and without them nothing would be possible. But I also have a second family of sorts in my clients, whom I treat with the respect and attention a person is owed whenever they find they’re backed in a corner and need help. The pleasure I get from representing good, honest people in the courtroom is unrivaled when compared to the other fields of profession I’ve engaged in life. Oftentimes, I ask a client to share the names of the attorneys they’ve worked with on other cases. Almost none of them are able to muster an answer — the names of their lawyers completely lost in the tides of life’s trials.
Many people mention traveling to new places when discussing what they want to experience. Some people wish to visit all of the national parks in the U.S., while others want to see the Great Pyramid of Giza, Machu Picchu, or one of the other wonders of the world. Regardless of where you want to travel, there’s no better time to start planning your trip than Sept. 27 since that’s World Tourism Day! Throughout the past couple of years, I’ve had the privilege to travel to more places than at any other point in my life. There are so many places I want to visit, and only so much time in my life to see them. One location that climbed to the top of my list is Japan. I would love to visit Tokyo and enjoy all the culture, cuisine, and experiences there. I’ve also been on a sushi kick recently and would love to see their take on it since Tokyo is the sushi capital of the world. Maybe I’ll make my way out to that side of the world sometime in the next few years! I have a good buddy who travels out of the country so often that he had to get a new passport before it expired — he filled it up! He and I have had many conversations about happiness and joy. We agree that while happiness can come from within, few
I began to look for a new avenue to pour my passions into.
As we grow older and further away from our teens and 20s, we begin to realize that life isn’t always about going fast, both literally and metaphorically. It was during my post racing downtime that I realized I wanted to go back to school at Georgia State. After spending years as a writer and editor, I discovered and followed my newfound calling and began practicing law after graduating from law school. After years of unparalleled grit, drive, and success in the field of law, I was fortunate enough to be able to open my own practice in January of 2018. This new venture has even allowed me to work alongside my brother, a paralegal and case manager, in what has been one of the most exciting periods of my life. For now, our plans for the future include an imminent expansion of the firm and growing the company in ways that still allow us to keep our fundamental values and operations in check.
At home with my wife Lindsay beside me, and our two children — our five-year-old son
-Thomas Lyman www.LymanFirm.com | 1 -Thomas J. Lyman
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Silence Is Golden: A Guide to Understanding the Fifth Amendment
is part of your Sixth Amendment right: You can remain silent and refuse to give any statements until you receive counsel.
Almost everyone knows what it means to “plead the Fifth.” We hear it often in the news, crime TV series, and all of the best mobster movies. When you plead the Fifth, you’re exercising your right granted by the Fifth Amendment to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. While this is your constitutional right, there are actually times when you are obligated to speak. Before you zip your mouth shut, you’ll need to learn when you should and shouldn’t plead the Fifth. What do you need to share with authorities? While you have the right to remain silent, there are a few questions you are legally required to answer. In most states, it’s the law that when a cop pulls you over and asks you to identify yourself, you have to answer. Even if the law doesn’t apply to the state you live in, it’s safe to simply provide your name, address, and date of birth. Another piece of information required when authorities pull you over is your license and registration. If you were pulled over by officers for a valid reason, you have to hand over your documents to them. Other than these two scenarios, you don’t have to answer any further questions. Anything you say to the authorities can be used against you, and the last thing you need is for a few poorly thought-out answers to land you in court. When is it best to stay silent? Because your words can be used against you, it’s in your best interest to stay silent until you are able to speak to your attorney. Once you have them by your side, they can speak for you and ensure that whatever they say protects you from incrimination. This
Will pleading the Fifth make you look guilty? Some people worry that pleading the Fifth will make the police and others who may hear about their case believe that they are guilty and have something to hide. This conception likely comes from the media, which tends to only mention the Fifth Amendment in extreme cases.
“Anything you say to the authorities can be used against you, and the last thing you need is for a few poorly thought-out answers to land you in court.”
For example, you might remember reading about Michaele and Tareq Salahi, a couple who snuck past the United States Secret Service and crashed a state dinner at the White House in late 2009. They famously plead the Fifth more than 30 times during questioning by a House committee. At the time, ABC News wrote an unflattering article on the topic called “White House Crashers Remain Silent.” Though stories like the Salahi’s may make it seem otherwise, pleading the Fifth is not an admission of guilt. While many may think those who invoke this right are guilty, in legal matters, they can’t be assumed guilty just because they refuse to answer. There have been countless cases where innocent people implicated themselves in an investigation simply because they said the wrong thing or didn’t choose their words wisely enough. No matter how many “Law & Order” episodes you’ve seen, you’re not a legal expert, and you should always err on the side of caution. The best way to remain innocent is to keep your rambles to yourself and leave it to your attorney to speak on your behalf. Silence is golden!
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TAKE A BREAK
Born around 1412 in Domrémy, a village in northeastern France, Jeanne d’Arc was raised by her farmer father and devout Catholic mother. During this time, England had control over much of northern France, and she witnessed countless families forced out of their homes due to British invasions. At 13, she began to hear voices she believed were sent from God. These voices told her that she would be the one to remove the British from France, return the crown to Prince Charles of Valois, and save her people from continual war. She took a vow of chastity and trekked across dangerous British territory at the age of 17 to reach the prince’s palace in Chinon. Once she arrived, she spoke of her destiny and how she could guarantee the prince his crown and France’s success. She asked for a small army to fight in the conquered Orléans. While their conversation is unknown, Charles insists she said words only a messenger of God would know. With that confirmation, he agreed, and she was off to battle. Fearless atop a white horse in men’s armor and short hair, not only did her army win the battle, but she made a name for herself as the prophesied virgin who would finally save France. Not even an arrow to the neck could stop her mid- battle. She and her army escorted Charles to his coronation, THE UNTOLD STORY OF JOAN OF ARC A Journey of Bravery and Betrayal
SPICED PECAN PIE BARS
Inspired by SouthernLiving.com
Ingredients
which took place in July 1429, and named him king. Sadly, in 1430, British forces captured Joan and charged her with witchcraft, heresy, cross-dressing, and more. To create distance between himself and the accused heretic, King Charles made no attempts to rescue her or negotiate her release. She was on her own.
• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar • 1/2 cup honey • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup melted butter • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 3 cups chopped pecans
Crust • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed • 3/4 cup powdered sugar • 1 tsp salt Filling • 4 eggs • 1 cup corn syrup
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Use baking spray to grease a 13x9-inch pan before lining with parchment paper. 2. In a food processor, blend crust ingredients until a crumble forms. Press mixture into pan. Bake until light golden brown, about 20 minutes (crust will have cracks). 3. In a bowl, whisk all filling ingredients (except pecans) together until smooth. Stir in pecans and pour over crust. Bake until set, around 30 minutes, then let cool completely in pan.
After a year of imprisonment, a 19-year-old Jeanne d’Arc was burned at the stake. Celebrated worldwide for her courage and passion, Joan of Arc is now the patron saint of France, the country she died for.
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404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com
404-267-1986 www.LymanFirm.com 2860 Piedmont Rd Atlanta, GA 30335
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE THIS ISSUE
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The Joy of Travel
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My Life in the Courtroom, the Home, and the Racetrack Unveiling the Right to Remain Silent: Your Guide to the Fifth Amendment 3 Wild Divorce Settlements Ways to Invest in Yourself After Retirement Bistecca Alla Fiorentina The Most Iconic Super Bowl in NFL History Spiced Pecan Pie Bars Joan of Arc: A Teenager’s Journey to Deliver France From British Rule
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Let’s Retire These Health Myths Thief Caught Red-Handed Thanks to Facebook?!
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The 5-Second Rule Will Make You Sick 3 Health Myths You Probably Believe They Seem Too Dumb to Be True! HILARIOUS REAL-LIFE CRIMES
the stolen items, everything would be fine — but that’s not how things played out. As soon as James spotted Nicholas walking toward his home, he called the police. When law enforcement arrived, they arrested the thief on the spot. Monopoly money doesn’t work in the real world. Michael Fuller stopped by Walmart to purchase a vacuum cleaner and microwave for $476. But instead of paying with real money, he decided to pay using a million- dollar note from the game Monopoly. The gentleman then demanded that he receive
We live in the golden age of information. The answers to many of life’s questions are just an internet search away. Despite this readily available wisdom, we still have a bad habit of believing health-related myths. Here are three popular health “facts” that are total works of fiction. Today, we have tons of podcasts, YouTube videos, TikToks, and documentaries about true crime. It seems like we can’t get enough of learning about the person behind heinous crimes and their motives. But what about the crimes you can’t help but laugh at because they’re almost too funny to be true? THE 5-SECOND RULE KEEPS FOOD SAFE Here are two crimes you won’t believe happened because of how silly and, for the lack of a better term, dumb they are! Don’t forget to log out of Facebook! Obviously germs and bacteria don’t really wait five seconds to pounce, but snatching your chip off the floor fast keeps most of the germs away, right? Not according to a 2006 study published by Dr. Paul Dawson. He found conclusive evidence that when food comes into contact with a contaminated surface, bacteria are transferred immediately. Even one second spent When James got home, he was stunned to see his house had been broken into. But after realizing the thief had accessed Facebook on his computer, he decided to post on Nicholas’ account that he (Nicholas) had broken into his (James’) home. James also shared his phone number in case anyone had any additional information. on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant. Nicholas contacted James over text, and the two agreed to meet in person. The thief thought if he went to James’ home and returned Nicholas Wig broke into James Wood’s house one night and stole his credit cards, cash, watches, and more. However, the 26-year-old thief left his Nike shoes, jeans, and a belt at the scene of the crime … but that’s not all.
BOTTLED WATER IS SAFER THAN TAP WATER
The official stance from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center states, “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” Still, chronic knuckle- cracking can lead to reduced grip strength, so you might want to break the habit anyway. You’ve probably heard these myths for years, but just because something is common knowledge doesn’t mean it is true. With information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health.
Seeking out safer water alternatives increases the sales of bottled “spring water” each year. However, bottled water is more expensive, bad for the environment, and, as Dr. Morton Tavel of the Indiana University School of Medicine pointed out, over 50 percent of bottled water is just filtered tap water. The same effect can be achieved with a home filtration system. Of course, if the tap water in your area has been contaminated, bottled water is a safer alternative. However, in most circumstances, bottled water is no healthier than tap water.
CRACKING YOUR KNUCKLES CAUSES ARTHRITIS
$999,524 from the cashier since he would need cash back for his “purchases.” The cashier called the police, and Michael was charged with attempting to obtain property by false pretenses. Can you believe these hilarious crimes?! Do you know of any we should highlight next time? We would love to hear from you!
The connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis came from studies where participants self-reported their habits. Modern medical research has shown these results to be false.
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