Join us for an inside look at the messy, blurry—and often fascinating—reality behind what you thought you knew about courtroom procedure.

Welcome to Lawyer Talk! In this episode, Steve Palmer and law student Troy Henricksen dive deep into the real-world drama of suppression hearings—a process that determines whether evidence should be kept out of a criminal trial. While law school teaches the basics about motions and constitutional amendments, it rarely shows students how these issues play out in the actual courtroom.

Drawing from their recent experience with a case involving Miranda rights, consent, and nuanced police interviews, Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen break down the steps of filing a suppression motion, navigating unpredictable courtroom dynamics, and facing off with government attorneys. They discuss what happens when police testimony evolves under cross-examination, the importance of truth-telling, and why confronting witnesses is crucial.

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

Steve Palmer is joined by law student Troy as they dive into a listener question that’s popping up more often than you might think: what happens when police approach someone sleeping in their car? Is it a simple welfare check, or does it step into the realm of the Fourth Amendment?

Together, Steve Palmer and Troy break down the legal ins and outs of what the police can and can’t do in these gray area encounters. They discuss the difference between a typical traffic stop and a so-called “consensual encounter,” debate real-life scenarios—from flat tires to surprise searches—and highlight how these routine checks can sometimes lead to bigger legal issues. As always, the conversation stays lively, informative, and packed with practical advice (but not legal advice—so don’t forget to call a lawyer if you’re in a jam).

Buckle up as Lawyer Talk unpacks what you need to know when the flashing lights show up at your window—even if you’re just catching some shut-eye in a parking lot.

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

Whether you’re a legal aficionado or just curious about courtroom drama, you’ll walk away with a clearer picture of how this piece of evidence works—and doesn’t work—in real life.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! In this episode, Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen dive into one of the most confusing—and often misunderstood—topics in the world of law: hearsay.

From dramatic objections in movies and TV shows to real-life legal proceedings, hearsay pops up everywhere. But what exactly is it, and why does it matter so much in criminal cases?

Steve Palmer draws from his experience as a defense attorney to explain how cases—sometimes serious ones—can hinge entirely on statements made outside the courtroom, while Troy Henricksen brings a fresh law student's perspective to unraveling the legal definitions and exceptions.

Together, they define what counts as hearsay, the nuances of its application, and why even lawyers themselves can get tripped up by the rules.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Hearsay Isn’t Always What You Think: Not every statement made outside of court is automatically hearsay. Its definition hinges on whether an out-of-court statement is being used to prove the truth of what was asserted.
2. One Statement Can Convict: You can be charged—or even convicted—based on a single person's word, if the law allows that evidence and hearsay exceptions apply. The credibility of each witness is often the focal point in court.
3. Complex & Policy-Driven: Hearsay rules are complicated, filled with exceptions and policy considerations. Even seasoned lawyers sometimes get tripped up—so if you’re curious or confused, you’re not alone!

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....

If you’ve ever wondered about your rights or how legal actions against the police really work, this episode is a must-listen.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! In this episode, Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen tackle a question straight from the audience: Is there a statute of limitations for suing the police?

They look into the complexities of legal deadlines, especially when it comes to bringing a case against law enforcement for alleged constitutional rights violations.

Troy Henricksen explains how Section 1983 lawsuits work, and both he and Steve Palmer discuss how the statute of limitations varies from state to state—and why figuring out the timeline isn’t always straightforward. Stick around as the team offers thoughtful insights, practical advice, and answers more of your burning legal questions.

Key takeaways from the discussion:

1. Statutes vary by state: There is a statute of limitations for suing the police, but it isn’t one-size-fits-all—1983 federal civil rights cases defer to state tort statutes, and each state has its own timeline.
2. When does the clock start? The period can begin at different moments, depending on the circumstances. For example, sometimes it may not start until a related criminal case concludes.
3. Get specialized advice, fast: If you think your rights have been violated, consult a civil rights lawyer right away. As Steve Palmer advises, acting quickly helps preserve your claims and avoid missing critical deadlines.

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

We get a little biblical as Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen look into the lessons lawyers can learn from the story of Moses.

Drawing inspiration from Moses’s own hesitation to speak—and his admission of being “slow of speech and slow of tongue”—Steve Palmer reflects on why law students and young lawyers shouldn’t worry about sounding eloquent, but instead focus on the substance of their message.

The conversation highlights what really matters in court and in legal writing, emphasizing that clarity and intention come first, and style follows. Whether you’re a law student, a seasoned attorney, or just curious about how biblical wisdom connects to the legal profession, this episode is packed with practical advice and insight on communicating persuasively—without getting lost in fancy words.

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

If you're ready to cut through the noise and look at the legal nuts and bolts of a high-profile case, this episode is for you.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk, where legal complexity meets candid conversation. In this episode, host Steve Palmer and law student Troy dig into a headline-grabbing case involving none other than Don Lemon. With curiosity circling both Steve Palmer’s personal life and professional inbox, they explore the legal intricacies surrounding Lemon’s recent charges—which stem not from political allegiance, but from the application of the FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act).

Together, they break down what the FACE Act actually covers, how it applies to protests at both abortion clinics and places of worship, and why Don Lemon’s role—whether as a protester, journalist, or something in between—is at the heart of the controversy. The conversation stays refreshingly nonpartisan, focusing on the facts, the law, and the bigger constitutional questions of freedom, protest, and selective prosecution.

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

Whether you're interested in civil rights, police procedures, or just want to know what to do when things get heated during a traffic stop, this episode brings you engaging analysis and helpful tips.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk, Steve Palmer and law student Troy Henricksen tackle a nuanced question from a listener: when an officer pulls someone out of a vehicle during a traffic stop, whose safety is truly being prioritized—the officer’s or the occupant’s?

Drawing on case law like Pennsylvania v. Mimms and real-world experience, Steve Palmer explores how the courts have approached this issue, why “officer safety” has become a common—sometimes overused—justification, and what happens when police orders actually put civilians at risk.

Troy Henricksen adds his own insights, asking whether departmental policy or civil lawsuits offer any real protection for passengers. The discussion is grounded in legal principles like negligence and duty of care, but peppered with real-life anecdotes and practical advice for anyone faced with a tense roadside encounter.

Key Takeaways:

1. No Blanket “Officer Safety” Exception in Law: The Supreme Court hasn’t recognized a general “officer safety” exception to the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement. However, officer safety can be a factor in specific situations—like the Pennsylvania v. Mimms case, which allows police to order drivers out after a legitimate stop.
2. Public and Passenger Safety Matters, Too: Officers don’t get a free pass to issue unsafe commands. If an officer’s instructions put you in harm’s way (like making you stand next to speeding traffic), there could be grounds for civil action against the department.
3. Handle Disputes the Smart Way: As Steve Palmer shared, arguing with officers on the side of the road rarely ends well. The best path is to comply, then use legal channels after the fact to contest unsafe or unlawful police conduct.

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...

What makes evidence admissible in court?

Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen break down how prior events, like video footage of the deceased’s previous encounter with law enforcement, might be considered in a future trial.

The conversation navigates the complex world of character and propensity evidence, shedding light on legal rules that often come into play when emotions are running high.

Whether you’re a law student, practicing attorney, or just interested in the legal reasoning behind headline cases, this episode is packed with nuanced insight into the evidentiary process and the real-world challenges of balancing fair trials with public opinion.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Purpose Matters: As Steve Palmer points out, the number one question when introducing evidence is, “What is the evidence being offered to prove?” Without clarity on purpose, admissibility can't be properly assessed.
2. Character Evidence Is Tricky: Evidence of prior behavior (like Pretti’s confrontation with police a week before his death) is generally inadmissible to show “propensity” — i.e., that someone acted a certain way before, so they must have acted that way again. Exceptions exist, but they're narrow and depend heavily on context.
3. “Opening the Door” Exception: If prosecutors present someone as peaceful, defense can rebut with evidence to the contrary. But, as discussed, this isn’t a license for all prior acts to come in—it has to be relevant to claims actually made in court.

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