Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC - April 2019

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April 2019

ONE FOR THE BOOKS NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK AND THE JOY OF READING

It may not be on everyone’s calendar, but I couldn’t let National Library Week pass by without comment. The second week of April is set aside to honor those centers of public learning we sometimes take for granted. But for me, the library was always a magical place. The old public library in my hometown was about as classic as it could get: a relatively small brick building packed with stacks and stacks of books. There was even a sweet, old librarian who worked there through my school years. I spent hours in that building, often staying until closing time — this was well before the days of the internet, let alone Google. Anything I wanted to know about the world had to come from that library. While I’d go in to do research for homework assignments, I would often wander from shelf to shelf, picking up any book that interested me.

In fact, getting to introduce my daughters to the joy of reading made some of my fondest memories of their childhood. You see, they were just the right age when the monumentally popular “Harry Potter” series first came out. My wife and I would take turns reading those enthralling books aloud every night before our daughters went to bed. Soon enough, all four of us were die-hard Potter fans. We’d even head to the local bookstore at midnight to get the next installment the day it hit shelves. There was real magic to those books. As they aged with the series, my daughters became voracious readers, both to fly through the later installments of J.K. Rowling’s series and to tackle their school work. Still, I miss those days of reading aloud to them. Now I’m usually the one being read to, since I mostly consume audiobooks these days. After all, much of my day is dominated by poring over case files, so it’s nice to give my eyes a break and enjoy a good book on my commute home. I’m fortunate enough to belong to a book club, which helps expose me to all sorts of interesting works. Just recently, we went through Yuval Noah Harari’s three-part series on the human experience: “Sapiens,” “Homo Deus,” and “21 Lessons for the 21st Century.” I enjoy having the opportunity to read provoking literature like this and getting to

discuss it with others. I really wish our group would meet more often.

So, in the spirit of sharing the love of reading, starting next month, I’m going to review a few of my recent favorites right here in our newsletter. After all, you can learn a lot about a person by the books they keep on their shelf. For those who want to read ahead, I’ll cover “The Notorious RBG” for the May edition. You can find it wherever books are sold or pick up a copy at your local library.

While my library attendance waned after law school, I never lost my love of books.

“WHILE I’D GO IN TO DO RESEARCH FOR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS, I WOULD OFTEN WANDER FROM SHELF TO SHELF, PICKING UP ANY BOOK THAT INTERESTED ME.”

-Elliott Kanter

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Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC | (619) 231-1883

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IN A PLANT’S DEFENSE THE INTERESTING METHODS THEY USE TO FIGHT PREDATORS

Many trees and plants are beginning to bloom, which means that they will soon have to ward off various predators. Most animals have a fight-or-flight response when faced with a dangerous situation, but plants can’t run or physically fight the dangers they face on a daily basis. However, what they lack in claws and teeth, they make up for in chemical and mechanical defenses. and spines, which are all examples of a plant’s physical defense. But many other plants’ physical defenses are not as obvious. Trees protect themselves with thick, hard- to-eat bark, which is comprised of a natural polymer called lignin. Leaves are often coated in a natural wax, which deters most insects and pathogens. EXTERNAL DEFENSES Many of us are familiar with thorns, prickles,

Some leaves have trichomes, which are sharp, hair-like features that stab or prick insects’ legs as they try to land or walk on its surface. Trichomes often also release toxins that can cause irritation and inflammation. Some plants contain microscopic, sharp crystals that puncture and inject chemicals into an animal’s mouth once they’ve bitten it. INTERNAL DEFENSES When a plant’s external defense fails, its internal protection takes charge. A plant lacks an immune system; instead, each cell is programmed to defend against any foreign object that comes in contact with it. If an insect or disease attacks the plant, the plant will thicken its cell walls with waxy plating, close its leaf pores, and kill off sections of itself to preserve the whole plant.

Plants also have unique chemicals that are deadly to insects and microbes, some of which we use today as seasonings, medicine, or drugs. In addition to toxic compounds, plants can release hormones into the air that warn neighboring plants or even attract other insects to kill would-be attackers. If you’ve decided to plant a garden this year, take some time to find out which natural defenses your plants wield.

NAVIGATING THE JUVENILE COURT SYSTEM

6 POSSIBLE HEARINGS FOR ARRESTED MINORS

Your child made a mistake, but it shouldn’t define the rest of their life. That’s why if your son or daughter has been arrested for a crime, it is essential to get the help of an experienced attorney. Practices that are considered rights in criminal court, such as jury trial and bail, don’t exist in juvenile court. Instead, arrested minors have to go through 2–6 different hearings before they’re sentenced. ARRAIGNMENT HEARING This is when a minor can request a lawyer if they do not have one already. The judge will tell them their rights and what they’re charged with. Then, they will set a date for the pretrial or jurisdictional trial. DENNIS H. HEARING If the judge tells the minor they have to stay in juvenile hall, the minor’s lawyer can request this hearing to challenge the decision to detain them until the dispositional hearing. FITNESS HEARING If the minor is from 16–18 years of age, there’s a chance the judge might say they’re unfit for juvenile court. This hearing is for challenging that decision, if it happens. The minor’s criminal sophistication, delinquent history, and other factors will all be considered.

PRETRIAL HEARING This is where the district attorney and the minor’s attorney may settle out of court, and the judge sets the date for the dispositional hearing. If they don’t settle, the judge will set or confirm the date of a jurisdictional hearing. JURISDICTIONAL HEARING While similar to a criminal trial, this hearing lacks a jury. All the facts of the case will be heard by only a judge or referee. DISPOSITIONAL HEARING If the charges against a minor are not dropped, the question of where the minor will be placed (whether on probation or in a facility somewhere), will be decided at this hearing. Even if your child doesn’t have to go through all of these hearings, the process can still be harrowing. The experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter are here to help. Give us a call.

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Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC | www.enkanter.com

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SHARING THE ROAD

For all the “share the road” bumper stickers that exist, it’s still not a practice Californians have perfected. Whether you ride your bicycle to work or just recreationally, you should know what to do if you are ever involved in an accident with an automobile. The experience is frightening and disorienting. But if you don’t know some of the important steps to take as a cyclist following an accident, the legal repercussions could be worse than necessary. If you or the other parties involved are injured enough to need medical attention, making sure care is administered is top priority. Save all your documentation related to your treatment, from the hospital or a doctor. Those documents will be crucial if you need to file a personal injury claim against the other party. It’s also important that you follow the doctor’s orders exactly. If you don’t, the at-fault party can claim your injuries aren’t as bad as you say they are. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

OPENING DAY HAMBURGERS

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING

When the police arrive, they will compile their own evidence report, but you can gather your own evidence to support your case. Take pictures of the accident with your phone, including the surrounding scene and your injuries. Over the next couple of weeks, you should also photograph your injuries as they heal.

Inspired by Saveur Magazine

With no fancy sauces, no frills, and no cheese, these all-American burgers are perfect for the start of baseball season.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound ground chuck, 80 percent lean

• • • • •

4 small leaves iceberg lettuce 4 1/4-inch-thick yellow onion slices

GET CONTACT INFO

• • •

4 soft, white hamburger buns, split 4 1/4-inch-thick tomato slices

1 teaspoon vegetable oil Salt and pepper, to taste Condiments of your choice

Make sure to exchange contact information with everyone involved in the accident, including any witnesses. Ask for a brief description of what they saw, too. However, beyond this, your conversation with them should be brief at best. Refrain from talking about the accident with anyone until you have spoken with an attorney. If you talk about the accident in greater detail than necessary, your words could be twisted to make it seem like you’re at-fault. Of course, it will benefit you in this situation to know an experienced attorney who will fight for your best interests. Give the Law Offices of Elliott Kanter a call today.

12–16 pickle rounds

DIRECTIONS

1. Lightly grease a small nonstick skillet with oil. Heat over medium-high. 2. While heating, gently shape meat into four patties 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Be careful to handle the meat as little as possible to prevent tough burgers. Season liberally with salt and pepper. 3. Sear patties on each side, about 1 minute per side. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until desired doneness, about 1 more minute per side for medium- rare, 2 more per side for medium-well. 4. Let meat rest for a minimum of 3 minutes. 5. To assemble, place patty on bottom bun and top with tomato, pickles, lettuce, and onion (in that order). Spread condiments on top half of bun and place on top of onion. Serve.

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Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC | (619) 231-1883

Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com

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Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC 2445 Fifth Ave #350 San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 231-1883

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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KANTER’S READING LIST

AN UNMOVING DEFENSE

HELPING ARRESTED MINORS

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OPENING DAY HAMBURGERS

HOW CYCLISTS SHOULD PROTECT THEMSELVES AFTER AN ACCIDENT

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3 TRAVEL MYTHS DEBUNKED

PARIS ON A BUDGET?

Traveling has many social and educational benefits, but some people have hesitations that prevent them from jetting off on new adventures. Below are three debunked travel myths to give you some ease as you plan your summer vacation! MYTH: VACATIONS ARE EXPENSIVE. FACT: You can travel anywhere on a budget. Tracking flights to score the best deal, setting spending limits, and packing meals are a few ways to save money. Hostels and Airbnbs are great alternatives to spendy hotel stays. Additionally, you don’t have to cross the country to have a great trip. Every state has museums, unique roadside attractions, historical sites, and a booming nightlife. When you know your price limits and what you want to do, traveling can be a fun and inexpensive venture.

MYTH: TRAVELING IS DANGEROUS. FACT: If you’re smart about what you do and where you go, traveling can be safe. Go with your gut and only stay somewhere that is approved by travel guides. Visit places you feel comfortable in, and do your research by reading travel blogs, websites, and books to find places that have been vetted by others. Traveling in groups can also be a great way to lower your risk of danger. As long as you plan ahead, you will have a safe trip.

circadian rhythm. Our bodies are cyclical, and the circadian rhythm is set by both a natural need for your body to reset and outside forces, such as your job, time zone, and diet. Travel can disrupt this rhythm and routine, which leaves you lethargic during and after your vacation. Sticking to water before and during your flights and staying physically active during and after traveling are great ways to fight jet lag and get back into your normal rhythm. Don’t let these travel myths keep you from seeing the world. Set a budget, go with your gut, and prepare for a shifting rhythm to make your next adventure the best one yet.

MYTH: JET LAG IS CAUSED BY A LACK OF SLEEP.

FACT: While jet lag can make you sleepy, it’s actually caused by a disruption in your

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Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC | www.enkanter.com

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