Law Office of Elliott Kanter APC - April 2019

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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