We’re living in a world where so much of our personal information is online, from Snapchat and Instagram to emails and cell phone records. I break down exactly what law enforcement has to do to get their hands on your private data.

Do they require a search warrant, or is a simple subpoena sufficient? I explain how the Fourth Amendment applies and discuss your rights regarding privacy on these digital platforms.

I share some real examples from my own legal practice and explore what the federal Stored Communications Act says about these issues. We’ll also take a look at some key Supreme Court cases that shape how this all plays out. And if you think this isn’t relevant to you just because you’re a law-abiding citizen, I’ll tell you why privacy protections should matter to everyone.

Here are my 3 key takeaways for you:

• The Stored Communications Act & Subpoenas

Law enforcement can sometimes gain access to account information (like your identity on Snapchat) with just a subpoena, not a full search warrant. This distinction is important because a subpoena is much easier to obtain than a search warrant.

• The Fourth Amendment Still Matters

The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches, and the expectation of privacy extends to our digital lives. In many cases, courts are leaning toward requiring a search warrant (with probable cause) for authorities to access sensitive information, especially after landmark cases like Carpenter v. United States.

• Your Digital Identity Deserves Protection

There’s an ongoing legal debate: Should police need a higher standard (a search warrant) to access your hidden or pseudonymous social media identities? My answer: Yes. Protecting personal privacy—even for law-abiding citizens—is foundational, no matter how convenient the shortcut for investigators.

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 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law...

I am focusing on the complex world of unique criminal convictions—cases like shaken baby syndrome, child sex offenses, and other serious charges that nobody likes to talk about, but that I deal with every day as a defense attorney and appellate advocate.

These cases stand out because the evidence can often be questionable, and the stakes couldn't be higher. I’ll share my own experiences handling appeals and post-conviction work for clients I genuinely believe to be innocent, and I’ll explain why it’s so critical to act fast—especially when it comes to securing expert witnesses and gathering records.

If you, or someone you care about, are facing a situation like this, I want to give you some practical guidance on how to move forward after a conviction, and what to look for in a lawyer who really knows how to handle these cases. Whether you’re dealing with this nightmare firsthand or just want to understand what happens beyond the verdict, I hope this episode brings clarity, insight, and maybe even a little hope.

Here are my top 3 takeaways for legal professionals and anyone interested in the justice system:

Act Immediately & Build Your Case Early: Don’t wait until appeal deadlines loom. Engaging expert witnesses, gathering comprehensive records, and consulting specialists right at the outset can make the difference between a successful appeal and a lost opportunity.

Direct Appeal Isn’t Everything: While you can’t introduce new evidence on direct appeal, post-conviction motions allow you to present fresh insights from experts. Working both tracks at once is crucial to maximize your client’s chances.

Right Counsel, Right Tools: Not all lawyers—no matter how competent—have the specialized “playbook” needed for highly unique, emotional, or complex cases. Work with appellate counsel who know how to leverage national experts and resources from the start.

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 2025 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

Should you expect to pay for an initial consultation with a lawyer?

This came up thanks to a great question from one of our production guys, and I realized it’s something a lot of folks are curious about, especially after seeing those “free consultation” ads everywhere.

I’ll walk you through the realities of when lawyers actually charge for that first meeting—why it happens more often in areas like domestic relations and how conflicts of interest can come into play. I’ll also break down exactly what you should expect from an initial consultation, free or not, including how much insight you should expect to get and what a lawyer should be able to tell you about your case and fee structure.

If you’re thinking about reaching out to a lawyer and want to know what you’re getting into, stick around. I’m here to help clear things up so you can make the best decisions for your legal needs.

Here are my key takeaways:

• Not All Consultations Are Free: While many lawyers advertise free consultations (especially in criminal defense), it’s common in areas like domestic relations or divorce law to charge a fee for that first meeting. Always check before you book!
• What You SHOULD Expect: An initial consultation should give you an understanding of the lawyer’s experience, their general approach to handling your type of case, and a transparent discussion about the cost structure. Don’t expect in-depth case work, document reviews, or witness interviews at this stage.
• Why Some Lawyers Charge: Charging for consultations can protect lawyers from conflicts of interest, especially in cases where talking to one party may prevent them from representing the other side. It also ensures their time—and yours—is valued.

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 2025 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

In today’s episode, we’re doing something a little different—we’re actually talking about what you do learn in law school, specifically when it comes to those infamous final exams. I am joined by law student Troy Hendrickson, who’s just wrapped up his second year and lived to tell the tale.

If you’ve ever wondered what law school finals are really like, buckle up. Forget what you know about undergrad exams—here it’s all about three to four hours of high-pressure essays that can make or break your entire grade. Think all-nighters fueled by way too much caffeine, stressing over whether you remember that one obscure case, and facing the reality of the dreaded law school curve.

We swap stories about cramming, anonymous grading, 80-page outlines, and why actually learning the material trumps just memorizing it (no, you can’t really fake it ‘til you make it here). They share practical advice—like how space repetition and making your own flashcards can save you, and why talking through arguments is key.

Whether you’re in law school, thinking about applying, or just curious about why law students always look so tired, this episode spills all the secrets. Grab your coffee—and maybe a Red Bull—because you’re about to get the inside scoop on surviving law school finals!

Key Moments

00:00 "Beyond Law School Lessons"

03:35 "Mastering Law School Tricks"

07:06 Learning Law with Black's Dictionary

09:22 Unique Law School Strategy

13:49 "Judge Approach to Law Essays"

17:37 "Learning Through Writing"

19:47 Exam Success Through Self-Summarization

23:08 Law School Case Discussion Process

25:28 Effective Study Group Strategies

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 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Should you represent yourself in court?

This topic came to mind after I watched a viral video of a defendant trying to go it alone in front of a judge down in Texas, and it got me thinking about the risks and realities of self-representation.

Drawing from my own experiences—and remembering that classic line often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, “He who represents himself has a fool for a lawyer”—I’ll share why even I, as a practicing attorney, would never want to represent myself, especially when the stakes are high.

I’ll walk you through situations where it might actually make sense to go solo, like a straightforward speeding ticket, but I’ll also dig into the hidden dangers of navigating certain legal matters on your own, including issues with things like record sealing or expungement.

Whether you’re considering representing yourself or you just want to know more about how lawyers think through these decisions, stick around. I’ll give you candid advice, real-world stories, and the practical insights you need before your day in court.

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

Representing Yourself is (Almost) Never a Good Idea: As the old saying goes (attributed to Abraham Lincoln!), “He who represents himself has a fool for a lawyer.” If there’s any risk of jail time, don’t go solo—hire a professional to ensure you keep perspective and make sound decisions.

Minor Matters May (Rarely) Be an Exception: For low-stakes issues like minor traffic tickets, representing yourself might make sense—especially when the cost of a lawyer outweighs the penalty. But go in with realistic expectations and know you won’t have the same leverage or results.

Do-It-Yourself Can Backfire: Especially in complex matters (even non-criminal ones like sealing or expunging records), self-representation can unintentionally harm your future chances due to procedural missteps or legal technicalities.

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 2025 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

I hear all the time: "How do some cases end up in the Ohio Supreme Court or even the U.S. Supreme Court so quickly, when most seem to crawl through the system?"

I’ll walk you through the usual process of appeals and then show you how certain hot-topic cases—like challenges to executive orders or big government actions—can take a legal shortcut.

I’ll explain how declaratory judgment actions and emergency appeals can move these issues straight to the top of the judicial ladder, sometimes almost overnight. If you’ve ever wondered why some court battles make the news so fast, or how the legal system decides what’s urgent, this episode is for you.

Moments

00:00 Rapid Court Responses Explained

03:52 Expedited Court Process Explained

Key Takeaways:

Fast-Track for Emergencies: Urgent or constitutionally significant cases (like challenges to executive orders or funding disputes) often get "fast tracked" to the Supreme Court via declaratory judgment actions and requests for immediate injunctions.

Not Always About the Merits: Many times, the Supreme Court is ruling not on the actual underlying legal issue, but on procedural matters—like whether or not to grant a temporary restraining order, based on criteria like irreparable harm and likelihood of success.

Emergency Appeals = Expedited Review: If a district or trial court issues (or declines to issue) an injunction, either party can seek an "emergency" or expedited appeal—helping cases bypass the usual, lengthy appellate process and land in front of the Supreme Court quickly.

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 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

In this “What’s the Appeal?” episode, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of getting a case in front of the Ohio Supreme Court, unpacking the crucial difference between correcting mistakes at trial and tackling broader questions of law that really get the justices’ attention.

I’ll explain why not every error at a lower court qualifies for supreme court review, what makes an issue important enough to reach that level, and exactly what lawyers need to argue to give their case a fighting chance. If you’ve ever wondered how cases get to the highest court in the state, what issues matter most, or what happens after you appeal, this episode will give you answers and a behind-the-scenes look at the process.

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

• Not Every Case Makes It Up: The Ohio Supreme Court—and courts like it—aren’t just there to correct mistakes from lower courts. There's a specific process (discretionary review) for cases with broader legal implications to get their attention.
• It's All About the Big Picture: You need to show that your case presents an important rule of law or policy issue. It’s not enough to say there was a simple trial error; you have to prove there’s a bigger constitutional or public interest at stake.
• Strategic Advocacy Matters: When appealing, it’s crucial to frame your argument in a way that highlights why your issue should matter to everyone, not just your client. Reference broader legal trends and current interest (like the US Supreme Court taking up similar issues) to strengthen your case for review.

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 2025 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

I’m digging deeper into what it’s really like to consult with a lawyer—especially when it comes to criminal defense. I’ll walk you through a recent experience from my own practice, where a well-meaning inquiry turned into an intensive back-and-forth with countless emails and complex attachments.

This got me thinking about the fine line between offering initial guidance and the reality that, just like Abraham Lincoln said, a lawyer’s time is their stock in trade.

I’ll talk about how I try to strike a balance during consultations—being as helpful as possible without crossing into doing unpaid work, and why sometimes the expectations between lawyers and clients can get a little blurred. I’ll also share why, even in our Zoom-heavy world, I still value face-to-face meetings whenever possible.

Whether you’ve wondered what goes on behind the scenes or you’re thinking of engaging a lawyer yourself, I’ll give you an honest look at how to set reasonable expectations and get the most out of your legal consultation. Thanks for tuning in to Lawyer Talk!

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

• Boundaries Matter: While initial consultations are important, there’s a point where a lawyer moves from consulting to doing substantive work. Lawyers need to protect their time (their “stock in trade”), and clients should understand when reviewing extensive case materials may require formal engagement.
• Communication is Key: Misunderstandings can happen about what’s covered in a free consultation. Clear expectations—on both sides—help avoid frustration and ensure everyone is on the same page from the start.
• The Process Has Changed: The pandemic shifted the way lawyers and clients connect, with fewer in-person meetings and more reliance on digital communications. Nonetheless, a face-to-face meeting (even virtual) can still be an important step in building trust.

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 2025 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....