Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Join Steve Palmer, a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, as he shares valuable legal insights on DUI, traffic stops, and your rights in the legal system. For more, visit www.palmerlegaldefense.com. Recorded at Channel 511 in Columbus, Ohio: www.channel511.com

  1. Oct 20

    Why Does My Public Defender Want Me to Plead Guilty?

    Wondering why your public defender keeps telling you to plead guilty? Here’s what’s really going on behind the scenes. If you’ve ever sat across from your public defender and wondered, “Why on earth do they keep telling me to plead guilty?”—you’re not alone, and you’re asking the right questions. I tackle that awkward, frustrating situation and clears the air on what’s really happening in the world of criminal defense. I explore what lawyers do when clients want to fight a case, but the odds (and the evidence) aren’t exactly in their favor. It’s not the lawyer’s job to decide if someone is guilty. That’s up to the court and the jury. Instead, lawyers focus on whether the government can actually prove their case. Legal advice isn’t about judging you. It’s about looking out for your best interests. Sometimes, pleading guilty can actually get you a better result if a trial is likely to end badly. But even if your lawyer thinks you did it, it doesn’t mean they won’t stand by you, go to trial, and fight for your rights. Quick Takeaways: Public defenders aren’t trying to judge. They want to make sure the government can really prove their case 00:42.Sometimes a guilty plea is just the better option if the odds are against you 01:56.You always have the choice to fight your case, but your lawyer’s advice helps you make an informed call 02:05.Defense lawyers are essential for making sure everyone, guilty or innocent, gets a fair shake in court 01:37.Honest conversations about the evidence and your chances are what really matter before heading to trial 02:05. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast! Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com. Recorded at Channel 511. Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere. Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts. He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience. Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention. For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense. Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law Mentioned in this episode: Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

  2. Oct 19

    Alcohol and Pleading Guilty Don't Mix

    Ever wondered if being tipsy or medicated in court messes up your case? Get the answers right here. Let’s be honest—court can be nerve-wracking, and sometimes people show up still feeling the effects from the night before. The law actually says about pleading guilty while you’re under the influence, and why you might want to think twice before trying it. The need for your plea to be totally voluntary, smart, and informed, which basically means you need to be sober and in your right mind. Judges and lawyers do look for signs you might be out of it. Big Takeaways: You can’t give a real guilty plea if you’re drunk, high, or groggy from medication; the court wants to know you totally get what’s happening 00:40.Judges often ask about any meds you’re on and check if you’re clear-headed before moving things along 00:59.Show up impaired? The judge might just send you to jail to “sleep it off” and delay your case until you’re sober 02:44.If you pleaded guilty while out of it, there might be a way to undo that plea, if you can prove you weren’t sober at the time 03:32.Best advice? Don’t make big legal decisions if you’ve been drinking or medicated. Wait until you’re thinking straight 04:18. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast! Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com. Recorded at Channel 511. Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere. Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts. He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience. Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention. For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense. Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law Mentioned in this episode: Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

  3. Oct 14

    Your Plea Agreement Isn’t a Guarantee: Judge’s Choice in Court

    If you thought plea agreements meant guaranteed sentences, think again. Find out what really goes on in Ohio courtrooms. Ever been told your case had a “deal” on the table, only to walk out with a harsher sentence? I explain why that happens, diving into the ins and outs of plea deals, judges’ decisions, and what can shake up the outcome, even at the very last minute. What you’ll take away: In Ohio, plea deals are just suggestions. The judge can go their own way 00:53Judges might hand down a tougher sentence, even if everyone else agrees on something lighter 01:17, 02:06Victim impact statements can completely change a judge’s mind 02:09, 02:27Sometimes judges change course without warning (and withdrawing your plea isn’t easy) 03:56, 04:08Why it’s so important to know this before you ever accept a plea 03:15 Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast! Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com. Recorded at Channel 511. Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere. Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts. He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience. Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention. For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense. Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law Mentioned in this episode: Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

  4. Oct 13

    Pulled into a Plea Deal? Ohio’s Rules on Withdrawing Your Plea

    Ever thought about changing your mind on a plea in Ohio? Here’s the scoop on how and when you can do it. It’s a big decision to take a plea deal, and sometimes second thoughts hit hard. I talk about what happens if you want to back out. Whether you just signed, already stood in front of the judge, or even after sentencing. Timing plays a huge role. Rip up the agreement before talking to the judge? That’s usually fine, though it might annoy a prosecutor. Once you’re in court and the judge walks you through what’s called a Rule 11 colloquy, it gets much tougher. After sentencing, well, that’s almost impossible unless something major was hidden from you along the way. Here’s what you need to know: You can walk away early: Haven’t entered your plea yet with the judge? You can still change your mind without much hassle. 01:39Before sentencing, there’s a shot: Even after pleading but before being sentenced, you can try to withdraw, but Ohio courts are making it tougher than they used to. 03:30After sentencing, good luck: At this point, unless your lawyer or the prosecutor seriously dropped the ball, you’re probably stuck with your plea. 05:00It all goes by the book: These rules come from Criminal Rule 11 in Ohio, and it works a lot like signing a contract.Ohio-specific advice: These details are just for Ohio—other states might do things differently. Bottom line: Don’t wait if you’re having second thoughts. The sooner you raise your hand, the better your chances. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast! Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com. Recorded at Channel 511. Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere. Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts. He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience. Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention. For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense. Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law Mentioned in this episode: Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

  5. Oct 12

    Get Out Of The Car, Sir

    Ever wondered if you really have to get out of your car during a police stop? Here’s what you need to know. We’ve all been there—flashing lights, a sinking feeling, and a police officer at your window. But what if you’re told to get out of the car? Here’s what really matters. I talk about what happens when you’re pulled over and a police officer asks you to step out. I look at a Supreme Court decision (yep, all the way from the top) that actually lets police give this order, whether you like it or not. Some folks try to push back or argue right there on the roadside. That almost always leads to things going south fast. I talk about how to handle the moment without making things worse and where to draw the line for your own legal protection. Key Takeaways: Police can legally ask you to step out of your car. Arguing won’t change it (00:18).Refusing to get out is likely to turn simple stops into messy situations, arrests, or worse (00:37).You don’t have to answer lots of questions or say yes to a car search. Just focus on following basic instructions (01:03).Keeping things calm and going along with the “get-out” order is usually the smart move (01:11).More details on searches and roadside rights are coming in future episodes. 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Refusing To Exit Your Vehicle for An Officer Do I really have to get out if police ask? Yes, the law says police can legally order you out of the car during a stop (00:18).What if I refuse to get out of my car? Almost every time, it ends badly, with arguments, arrests, or someone getting hurt (00:37).Can I keep quiet or refuse a car search after getting out? Absolutely. You don’t have to answer questions or agree to a search, just get out of the car if told (01:03).Should I argue with police about my rights on the roadside? Not a good idea. The quickest way to avoid trouble is to get out of the car when asked and save arguments for later (01:11).Will you talk more about car searches in future episodes? Yes, more info is coming soon about what to do if police want to search your vehicle (01:09). Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast! Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com. Recorded at Channel 511. Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere. Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts. He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience. Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention. For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense. Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law Mentioned in this episode: Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

  6. Oct 7

    Firearms at the Scene: How One Ohio Case Could Change Gun Laws

    Can Ohio punish you just for having a gun at a place where there are drugs? Is It a Crime to Have a Gun Near Drugs in Ohio? Let’s Talk About State v. Brock I explore a hot-button legal issue: can Ohio put you behind bars just because a gun is somewhere near drugs, even if there’s zero proof the two are linked? That’s exactly what’s happening in State v. Brock. It's a case that’s stirring up big questions about gun rights and could end up making law for the whole state (and maybe even the nation). I explain Ohio’s “firearm specification,” which means if you get caught with a gun while committing a crime, extra prison time is almost automatic. But here’s the twist. In Brock, the gun and the drugs weren’t even proven to be part of the same thing. The conversation focused on constitutional rights, what Supreme Court cases like Bruen and Heller mean today, and just how far this issue could go up the legal ladder. What You’ll Learn: Why just having a gun near drugs could trigger a mandatory prison sentence in Ohio 00:50How the Second Amendment is being used to challenge Ohio’s firearm laws in the Brock case 02:07The difference between saying a law is always unconstitutional and that it’s just wrong in certain cases 02:07How recent Supreme Court decisions could turn this case into a big deal for other states too 03:10What to watch next as the case heads to higher courts 05:41 Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast! Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com. Recorded at Channel 511. Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere. Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts. He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience. Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention. For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense. Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law 5 Frequently Asked Questions about State v. Brock 1. What’s State v. Brock about? It’s about whether Ohio can send you to jail just for having a gun near drugs, even if there’s no real link between them. 2. What is a firearm specification in Ohio? Basically, it’s a rule that adds extra mandatory prison time if you have a gun when committing certain crimes. 3. How is the Second Amendment used in this case? The discussion explored whether these extra punishments for just having a gun violate your constitutional right to bear arms. 4. What’s the difference between “on its face” and “as applied” challenges? A facial challenge says a law is always unconstitutional; an as-applied challenge says it’s only unconstitutional in this particular case. 5. What happens if the courts disagree on the Brock case? It could go all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court, and maybe even higher, possibly changing gun laws for everyone in Ohio and beyond. Mentioned in this episode: Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

  7. Oct 6

    The Lone Holdout in the Clancy Case: Jury Drama, Doubt, and Legal Surprises

    Ever wonder how a single juror can shake up a trial? This episode unpacks jury deadlocks and the rules that protect them. Ever Seen “12 Angry Men”? This Is Real Life Jury Drama A jury split 11 to 1, with one person refusing to go along, and the fireworks that follow. Think classic movie moments, but with very real legal consequences. One concept I cover is the Aliunde Rule. This quirky legal rule says you can’t undo a verdict just because of arguments in the jury room, unless there’s proof of outside misconduct. It protects the back-and-forth of deliberation, making sure jurors can argue without worrying it’ll all come out after trial. I explore what happens when both sides feel passionately about their case, how lawyers fight for their clients (even if that means reversing their own arguments in another case), and why the system is built to encourage tough debates, not just easy agreements. Key Takeaways: You can’t automatically toss out a verdict based on what jurors say went on in the room 00:44Disagreements—and even shouting matches—are built into the process to get to the truth 02:24Even a single juror has real power to shape trial outcomes 03:39Defense lawyers push hard for their clients, and that keeps the system honest 04:02Pushing back against government is a cornerstone of our legal system 04:09 Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast! Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com. Recorded at Channel 511. Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere. Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts. He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience. Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention. For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense. Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law Mentioned in this episode: Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

  8. Oct 5

    Why the Clancy Case Has Everyone Talking About Evidence

    Curious about how lawyers can say one thing in court and something else after? Let’s talk Clancy and the insanity defense. I walk you through the tricky world of criminal defense strategies, using the Clancy case as a real-life example. The conversation focused on how lawyers can argue their client was insane at trial, then turn around and argue there wasn’t even enough proof they did it in the first place! Sound confusing? You’re not alone. Here’s why it actually makes sense in the legal world. Here’s what you’ll walk away with: Insight into why defense attorneys sometimes admit facts in court, but challenge them in post-trial motions 00:02.A clearer view of the golden rule that the state must prove every part of their case, no matter what the defense says 01:08.A quick history lesson on legal precedents that make this possible 01:49.How arguments over circumstantial versus direct evidence play out in a real courtroom 02:52.What a Rule 25 motion actually is (in plain English) and why it matters after a mistrial 02:19. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast! Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com. Recorded at Channel 511. Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere. Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts. He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience. Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention. For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense. Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law Mentioned in this episode: Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

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Join Steve Palmer, a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, as he shares valuable legal insights on DUI, traffic stops, and your rights in the legal system. For more, visit www.palmerlegaldefense.com. Recorded at Channel 511 in Columbus, Ohio: www.channel511.com

Information

  • Creator
    Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    499
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law
  • Show Website
    Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

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