The Medlin Law Firm - January 2021

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The Medl in News

JANUARY 2022

YOUNG AGAIN IN 2022

Concerts I Have Planned for This Year

There are many wonderful things in life that we take for granted and don’t even appreciate until later. For example, I noticed that Jan. 8 is Elvis Presley’s birthday, and honestly, his music didn’t impress me for the longest time. Growing up, I didn’t realize how much of an impact he had on other bands I listened to.

This show has been put off for two years now, so I am really excited about seeing live performances again. There is nothing like watching artists perform their music in person. They don’t have the opportunity to correct their mistakes or have a second take at the song. It’s raw and authentic.

It wasn’t until later that I realized what a genius he was and how influential he’d been on the music scene. He was inspired by blues, jazz, gospel, and country music and took on many elements of music to come up with his own style. In fact, he inspired rock musicians with his style and persona.

Having the opportunity to see my musical heroes perform means so much to me. It used to be easy to take the concerts for granted, but it’s a powerful experience, even (maybe especially) as an adult. For people my age, it’s like reliving your youth in a way. The music I listened to back in my late teens and early 20s is the soundtrack of my life. I will never forget it and how it has impacted me — even to this day.

“For people my age, it’s like reliving your youth in a way. The music I listened to back in my late teens and early 20s is the soundtrack of my life. I will never forget it and how it has impacted me — even to this day.”

As we begin our journey into the new year, I’m looking forward to seeing live music again. I’ve always been a big concertgoer, and I used to go to live performances all the time before the pandemic hit. Elvis had a major influence on the Beatles, my all-time favorite band. I’m trying to indoctrinate my daughter, Nadia, with the Beatles by using satellite radio. I play the Beatles station all the time when we’re in the car, and I sometimes catch her singing along to their songs, so it’s working! One of my friends is in a Beatles cover band called Me and My Monkey. They actually won an award in Liverpool, England for their tribute. I will also be taking Nadia to see the Beatles tribute band, The Fab 4, soon. The indoctrination continues but now with live music. I have several shows lined up for 2022. I’m looking forward to seeing Santana and Earth, Wind & Fire. This will be my first time seeing Earth, Wind & Fire, and I have already bought my tickets.

Another thing I love about concerts are the meet-and-greets. Unfortunately, a lot of artists aren’t doing this anymore due to the pandemic, but I was able to meet a lot of my favorite bands in the past and even got some guitars signed by them! I have signed guitars from Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, and Carlos Santana. I guess you could say that I’m getting my Hard Rock Cafe wall ready.

I’m looking forward to what the new year has to offer and to live music!

– Gary L. Medlin, Esq.

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3 Benefits of Stretching

We’ve all been advised to stretch before working out or performing physical activities. However, some recent studies have cautioned against this practice, claiming it may lead to an increased chance of getting injured. Regardless, this does not mean you should cut stretching out of your life completely. Stretching is not just for athletes. Everyone can benefit from this practice, and there are many advantages that come with improving your flexibility. Getting in the habit of stretching after you wake up and before you go to bed can benefit many aspects of your overall health.

IMPROVED BALANCE AND POSTURE

Strong posture and balance are essential for both everyday activities and athletic performance. Good posture is necessary for spine health, and you need good balance to do everything from walking down the street to standing and sitting. The flexibility gained through stretching improves the muscles that are needed for correct posture, and you will also increase your range of motion.

Here are our top three benefits!

REDUCED RISK OF INJURY

RELAXATION AND REDUCED PAIN

If your muscles are tight and you start working out, your chance of injury increases. Stretching helps to loosen your muscles and allows them to move easier. This still does not mean you should stretch right before working out, but by creating a routine where you stretch in the morning or at night (or both!), your muscles will stay looser, helping prevent muscle strains and tears.

There are also certain stretches that help lengthen and open your muscles. When your muscles are looser and relaxed, you’re less likely to feel pain or experience muscle cramps. Stretching can work wonders for people suffering from lower back pain. This pain is often caused by tight muscles, and stretching will loosen them and relieve that pain. Stretching can also help your mind loosen up and unwind, which will relieve stress and improve your mood.

KNOWYOUR RIGHTS WHATTO DOWHEN PULLED OVER

Do you know your rights when you’re pulled over? Sometimes it’s difficult to remember what to do since seeing those blue lights and hearing sirens behind you can make anyone feel nervous and anxious.

YOUR RIGHTS ATATRAFFIC STOP ARE:

1. You have the right to be free from unreasonable searches . If an officer asks you to exit your vehicle, that doesn’t mean they can search you. They can’t perform a search unless they have a specific reason to be concerned for their safety. An officer may ask to search your car after the traffic stop is completed, and you can still say no. You don’t need a reason to refuse a search, even if you have nothing to hide. 2. As mentioned above, you can say no. Law enforcement will ask if you have any drugs or weapons in your car, but you don’t have to answer that question. A lot of people will admit if they have something in their car, but you don’t have to. 3. In Texas, as long as you have a license that isn’t expired, you must be released from the traffic stop. The officer can either issue you a ticket or a warning, and once that is done, the stop is complete. Remind the officer politely by asking, “Am I free to go?” And remember, they need a reason to extend the stop. If you have received a citation, if your car has been searched, or if you were found with weapons or drugs, allow Medlin Law to assist you. We will be happy to help your case!

Here’s what you need to know if you ever get pulled over.

WHEN BEING PULLED OVER, YOU SHOULD:

1. Begin to slow down and move your vehicle to the side of the road. Park on the right shoulder, a well-lit side street, or a parking lot away from traffic. 2. While parking your vehicle, set the emergency brake, turn off your car, and turn on your hazard lights. If it’s nighttime, turn on your interior lights. 3. Remain in your vehicle and place your hands on the steering wheel. Don’t exit your car unless instructed to do so by law enforcement. 4. Before reaching for your insurance card or driver’s license, tell law enforcement where these items are located and follow the officer’s directions. Never reach into your glove box or center console before telling the officer where your items are.

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YOU’RE PROTECTED BY THE CONSTITUTION 3 Times the First Amendment Saved the Day

The First Amendment prohibits laws from limiting the freedom of speech, religion, and expression. Throughout history, many Americans have been saved by this. Let’s take a look at some of these cases.

Supreme Court agreed with the parents — students still had the right to political free speech while on school property. If the school district wanted to justify why they expelled the students, they would have to prove how the armbands would harm the operation of the school. Although the school district feared the armbands would cause a disturbance, it wasn’t an actual interference.

interests didn’t outweigh the rights within the First Amendment.

CARTERV. ROBERTS

Deputy Sheriff Daniel Ray Carter Jr. was fired in 2009 by Sheriff B.J. Roberts because he liked a Facebook page of Roberts’ political rival. Carter sued Roberts in 2011, but the U.S. District Court ruled that the First Amendment didn’t protect Facebook “likes” because it didn’t involve actual statements. Then, the case was reviewed by the federal appeals court, and they ruled that “liking” a Facebook page of a campaign is the equiv - alent of putting a campaign sign in your yard, which is a constitutionally protected form of speech. Now, your “likes” are protected under federal law! If your First Amendment rights have been violated, please call Medlin Law for assis - tance. We can help you fight for your rights.

TINKERV. DES MOINES INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY SCHOOLDISTRICT

In the ’60s, protests against the Vietnam War weren’t only popular in the streets of Washington, D.C., but also in school districts. In December 1965, several students planned to wear black armbands around their school to show their support for a truce in the VietnamWar, so a principal at a Des Moines, Iowa, school created a policy against it. If any student was found wearing an armband, they would be asked to remove it. If they refused, theywould be sent home. Mary Beth Tinker and Christopher Eckhardt wore their armbands to school and were expelled.

WOOLEYV. MAYNARD

In NewHampshire, all vehicles are required to have the state’s motto, “Live Free or Die” on the license plate. George Maynard found the motto to be against his religious and political beliefs. He covered up the motto on his license plate, and he was convicted of violating the law in 1976. The court stated that New Hampshire couldn’t constitutionally require citizens to display the state motto on their license plates, and they are allowed to cover up part or all of the motto. They also said the state’s

Their parents sued the school district for violating their children’s rights. The

Chicken With Lemon Herb Sauce

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1/3 cup and 2 tbsp olive oil, divided 4 boneless chicken breasts 1 clove of garlic, minced

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. 2. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. 3. Season chicken with salt and pepper if desired and sear it in the skillet for 3 minutes on each side. Bake chicken until its internal temperature is 165 F. 4. In a blender, add 1/3 cup olive oil, garlic, salt, parsley, mint, pepper, and lemon zest and juice and blend ingredients until coarsely mixed. 5. Top chicken with sauce and serve!

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup parsley, chopped

Puzzle Time

1/3 cup mint, chopped

1 1/2 tsp pepper

1 lemon, for juice and zest

Inspired by FoodNetwork.com

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1.

Music is the Soundtrack of Your Life

2.

Get Stretching!

You Have the Right to Say No

3.

Are Facebook ‘Likes’ Protected Under the First Amendment?

ChickenWith Lemon Herb Sauce

4.

The Street Vet

THE STREET VET Saving the Lives of Homeless Individuals’ Pets

Veterinarian and animal advocate Dr. Kwane Stewart, known in his docuseries as “The Street Vet,” has his own veterinary practice in Modesto, California, but still makes a point to help the pets of the homeless population in town for free. He began this selfless act of heroism in 2011 after the Great Recession hit and has since helped well over 400 animals, even tending to a Burmese python at one point! About 25% of Modesto’s homeless population own a pet, and back in 2011, Dr. Stewart noticed that many needed medical attention. This tugged at his heart strings. Knowing that many would come for free pet medical attention if he set up a table near a soup kitchen, Dr. Stewart jumped at the opportunity. What he thought would be a one-time event eventually turned into a regular act of heroism.

that he sees in his office. “Keep in mind that they are with their pet every minute of every day,” he says. “That’s not the case with most of us.” He notes that seeing these special pet patients makes him feel as if he has a superpower. Dr. Stewart recalls that growing up, he wanted to be either a vet or Batman, and now, he gets the best of both worlds! Dr. Stewart often spends his spare time wandering the streets in search of pets that need his help, offering free vaccinations and medical care. He notes that the homeless population is just like us, but they have fallen on hard times, and

their pets are their companions and lifelines. In helping the pets, Dr. Stewart builds a special bond with their owners. To be able to make a difference in the lives of sweet,

innocent animals and their owners is the most rewarding type of work — the dream job Dr. Stewart could have never even conjured up before he selflessly started living it.

Now, Dr. Stewart has the ability to step in and save the day for both the pet and owner at no cost. Dr. Stewart has found that the bond between homeless individuals and their pets is unlike any

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