Medlin Law Firm November 2018

Medlin Law Firm November 2018

The Medl in News

NOVEMBER 2018

WHAT I’M THANKFUL FOR

Our autumn colors lag behind much of the country, but I’m always grateful our red oaks, cedar, and cypress trees hold off until this time of year to begin changing. It means that we’ll typically have beautiful splashes of crimson, yellow, and orange byThanksgiving, while our friends up north will be facing bald branches and bitter winds. Regardless of the weather, a great turkey dinner with loved ones is sure to lift your spirits. Looking back, I can say Thanksgiving is just about my favorite holiday. Aside from the foliage, food, and Cowboys football, having time to spend with family from far and wide was one of the joys of my childhood. My parents would host the meal most years, meaning we’d welcome as many as 45 aunts, uncles, and cousins from both sides of the family. Some even hailed from as far away as New Jersey. As you can imagine, these dinners were quite the production! My mom was always in charge of the turkey and fixings, but plenty of relatives lent a hand in bringing the whole feast together. Invariably, you could count on there being at least three types of pie, and my younger self would be hard pressed to choose a favorite. But between all the mashing, cutting, peeling, and baking, most of the men in the family preferred to get outdoors and play football — before coming indoors to (What else?) watch football. I don’t want to betray my age, but this was during a time when it was acceptable for men not to pitch in with much of the cooking. It was also a time when the Cowboys would reliably win the Thanksgiving game. As I grew, relatives aged, and the journey became more difficult. Cousins went off to college, aunts and uncles moved, and grandparents became infirmed. These days, most of the relatives who helped cook or who threw the pigskin behind our house have

passed on. As the leaves remind us every year, time ends all things eventually, but there will always be spring.

Now our Thanksgivings are smaller affairs — well, smaller than they were. My wife, daughter, and I will head over to a family member or friend’s house for a low-key dinner. I usually make a green-bean casserole I’m fond of, though I’m mostly just following the advice on the can. While they may not be the bustling reunions of my childhood, I’ve come to appreciate the quieter nature of these gatherings. They make it easy to have a moment to remind myself of what I’m thankful for. I have a beautiful, healthy family I get to support by doing a job I love. It doesn’t get much better than that.

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving.

– Gary L. Medlin, Esq.

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A HISTORIC VETERANS DAY

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I

provided the spark that would eventually burn down much of Europe. A chain reaction of land disputes, pre-emptive attacks, and strategic alliances brought over 30 countries into World War I. The Great War that ravaged Europe resulted in a devastating loss of life, but from those ashes rose a renewed appreciation for the importance of peace and a global effort to ensure its place in the future. The Restoration of Peace In 1918, Germany surrendered unconditionally, and the armistice ended the fighting at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, though the war did not officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles the following July. An estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians died in just four years, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. Veterans Day Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the one-year anniversary of the armistice, and it became a U.S. holiday in 1938. Today, Veterans Day celebrates veterans who served their country honorably. The U.K., France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate their veterans in November. If you know a veteran, thank them for their service this month.

What Families Should Expect T his year, Veterans Day takes on particular historic significance: Nov. 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. Countries around the world will commemorate the signing of this peace agreement with moments of silence, centennial ceremonies, and historical exhibits. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a celebration of life. It’s a day to honor the power of peace and the living veterans across the globe who have served their countries. This November, take a moment to remember the war that helped shape the international community’s dedication to peace and thank the individuals who served to defend it. The Great War By 1914, a world war had been years in the making, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by a Serbian nationalist The holidays are a time for coming together as a family, though that gathering can sometimes do more harm than good. No family is perfect, not everyone sees eye to eye, and the added stress of the festivities can bring new or old disagreements to a boil. When arguments reach the point that a family member or concerned neighbor calls the police, it’s important to know what to expect. SomeoneWill Be Arrested Domestic disturbances are almost always complicated, but the authority’s immediate concern will be to remove any threat of violence. That’s why it is the policy of Texas police departments to arrest individuals accused of being the aggressor in these situations. There will be time to hear both sides of the story later; ensuring that both parties are separated for at least the rest of the evening is in the interest of safety for everyone involved. The State Presses Charges — Not the Victim In many situations, families are surprised when an arrest takes place. When heads cool off, an accuser may find

ARRESTS ON THANKSGIVING

that they don’t want to press charges on the accused — only to find that it’s not their call to make. In many cases, especially where violence or the threat of violence was involved, prosecutors will continue to pursue charges against the arrested party, regardless of the wishes of their family members. Alternatives Exist While you can’t control what the police or prosecution does in the aftermath of a domestic dispute, you can take steps toward a brighter future. Having an experienced criminal defense team on your side is your best chance for effectively communicating your side of the story. The Medlin Law Firm has successfully gotten hundreds of these domestic charges dismissed or reduced. We also have access to counseling resources to help you and your loved ones avoid these situations in the future.

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A HOLIDAY TRADITION NO ONE PREPARES FOR

Have You Been Injured by a Drunk Driver?

This time of year, everyone seems to be dusting off old family traditions as they prepare for the merriment on the horizon. The staple this month is, of course, enjoying plates full of delicious food with your closest family members and friends. Next month, you’ll likely dress up for an ugly-sweater party, exchange white-elephant presents, sip some eggnog, and watch “A Christmas Story” on TV at least 10 times. Alongside these joyous holiday customs, unfortunately, there are darker traditions associated with the season: increased alcohol misuse and drunk driving. There is a dramatic increase in DUI offenses and other alcohol- related issues in the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. In fact, the statistics are sobering. Drunk drivers are responsible for 40 percent of highway deaths that occur from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. Because people are traveling to see their families, more drivers are on the road. And because 16 percent of adults admit that they drink more than usual during the holidays, the plausibility of drunk-driving accidents is exponentially higher. In fact, Scram Systems predicts that by the end of this year, 25,000 people will be injured in alcohol- related traffic accidents.

us for help after being injured by a drunk driver. In cases like these, our attorneys know that their job doesn’t stop when the neglectful driver is held accountable for his or her actions. Our attorneys will also connect you with rehabilitation resources like physical therapists or chiropractors they know and trust. Because some of our teammembers were involved in accidents that caused severe injuries, they know that proper rehabilitation is just as vital as your winning day in court to getting you back on your feet. If you or someone you know has been injured by a drunk driver, please give our office a call at 817-476-2918 so we can give you the help you need and deserve.

Here at Medlin Law Firm, our attorneys are well aware of these statistics and have noticed an increase of clients coming to

A Simple Brine FOR SUCCULENT TURKEY

Brain Buster

Ingredients

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3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt

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3/4 cup sugar

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1 carrot, peeled and diced

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1 large onion, peeled and diced

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1 tablespoon black peppercorns

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1/4 cup celery, diced

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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)

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2 large sprigs thyme

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2 bay leaves

Directions

1. In a large stock pot, bring salt, sugar, and 4 cups water to a boil. Stir until all ingredients are dissolved. 2. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Place brine in the fridge, uncovered, until cold. 3. Add 6 quarts cold water to brine. Add turkey and submerge completely. Brine chilled for up to 72 hours.

Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1.

What I’mThankful For

2. A Historic Veterans Day

The Aftermath of ThanksgivingArrests

3. A Holiday Tradition No One Prepares For

A Simple Brine for Succulent Turkey

4. What to KnowBefore Black Friday Shopping

SKIP THE SALES AND HAVE SOME PIE 3 Reasons Black Friday Isn’t Worth Your Time The day of chaos will soon be upon us. In a few weeks, Americans will leave their homes with bellies full of turkey to descend upon retail stores in the feeding frenzy that is Black Friday. Sure, it’s a bit stressful, but with all the great sales and gift-giving holidays on the horizon, Black Friday is the best day to knock out that shopping list, right? Not really. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t bother with Black Friday.

YouWant Lowest Prices If you’re waiting to get the best deals of the year, Black Friday probably isn’t the day to go out. While stores may offer one special item at an outrageously low price, the rest of the sales can’t compete with other times of the year. Headphones are cheapest in August, vacuums are more affordable in April, and if you’re shopping for the holidays, keep in mind that toys will be priced at their lowest 10 days before Christmas. YouWant the Best Brands Here’s an insider secret: Most stores get new inventory to advertise specifically for doorbusters and Black Friday sales. New TVs at 75 percent off will get lots of people in the door, but those televisions aren’t the best brands. If you need a cheap dorm TV, then Black Friday is your day. But if you want a quality television to show off your 4K Ultra HD copy of “Avengers: Infinity War,” you’re better off waiting until after the New Year.

YouWant to Save Money It’s hard for people to say no when they’re afraid they’ll regret not jumping on a deal when they had the chance. So they grab the $750 laptop because it’s $200 off, buy some new winter coats because they’re four for the price of three, and fill their cart with other incredible sales. Do you need 10 HDMI cables? Of course not. But when they’re on sale for $2.99 each, how can you say no to that bargain? If there is a specific item you want that’s on sale during Black Friday, like those cute department store boots or a Play Station 4, then by all means get out there early and take advantage of the deal. But if you have a long shopping list, want to save money in the long run, or don’t know what you’re after, Black Friday isn’t worth the stress.

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