Law school spends a lot of time on big constitutional theories and landmark cases, but what about the nuts and bolts, like Rule 16, filing demands for discovery, and wading through endless hours of body cam footage?

I’m here to shed light on all of it.

Today, we get into the gritty details of what criminal discovery actually looks like in practice. From being buried under mountains of police video, to dealing with last-minute evidence dumps and navigating Brady violations—I share real stories, practical advice, and the kind of candid perspective that comes from decades in the trenches.

If you’re a future lawyer, a legal enthusiast, or just curious about what really goes on in a trial, this episode is for you. So sit back, relax, and join me at the law school table as we dig into the stuff you won’t find in the textbooks.

Moments

00:00 "Law School Versus Real Practice"

05:55 "Time Costs: Law Clerk Solution"

08:38 "Case Discussion and Human Bias"

12:23 Evidence Overlooked: Raising Concerns

15:45 Unprepared for Trial Defense

17:43 "Prosecutors as Foxes: Trust Issues"

Here are my top three takeaways from the conversation:

• Practical Discovery Knowledge is Often Missing from Law School: While law school dives deep into constitutional theory, many students aren’t exposed to the everyday realities of criminal procedure, like Ohio’s Rule 16 and the actual process of filing and responding to discovery demands.
• Managing Evidence is a Major Challenge: With technology, gathering evidence like body and dash cam footage has become both a blessing and a burden. Reviewing hours of footage from multiple officers can consume entire weeks of attorney time — something clients and new lawyers should understand.
• Discovery Rules are Not Just Formalities: The rules about timely and complete evidence disclosure are not just procedural checklists. Late or incomplete discovery can fundamentally change trial strategy, require continuances, or in some cases, even lead to a dismissal — and it’s up to defense counsel to fight for the fair application of these rules.

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...

Using Weinstein’s high-profile New York conviction as our guide, I break down why the court’s decision to allow testimony from other alleged victims became such a crucial issue on appeal.

I walk you through why ensuring a fair trial (yes, even for someone as notorious as Weinstein) is so important for the justice system as a whole. You’ll hear my take on what happened inside that contentious jury room, the chaos (and value) of passionate deliberations, and what it really means when jurors can’t agree.

We’ll use classic courtroom wisdom, a nod to the film “12 Angry Men,” and explore what prosecutors can do after a hung jury.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes after a big trial wraps up, or why appeals matter, this episode is for you. You'll learn what makes the adversarial process tick and why procedural fairness isn’t just a technicality. It’s the backbone of justice.

Here are my key takeaways:

Why Procedural Fairness Matters: No matter how “guilty” or reviled someone may be, the system must guarantee a fair trial. Otherwise, the same rules protecting the innocent begin to erode. The denial of a fair trial for anyone jeopardizes the process for everyone.

How Juries REALLY Work: The jury deliberations in Weinstein’s retrial were reportedly contentious. Yelling, disagreements, and passionate debate. This, I argue, actually shows the adversarial system doing its job as jurors hash out the facts and arrive at the closest thing to the truth.

What Happens After a Hung Jury: If a jury can’t agree (a “hung jury”), prosecutors aren’t required to retry the case, but often will. Especially if victims push for it or to secure a complete legal outcome, even if other convictions already mean substantial prison time.

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...

This is about the notorious case involving Brian Wilson (no, not the Beach Boys icon), who’s been charged with the murder of two police officers up in Morrow County (OH).

I break down why, even in a situation like this, entering a not guilty plea is not just common—it’s actually the right legal move. I’ll address some of the biggest misconceptions I hear about pleas, talk through the important difference between factual guilt and what the courtroom actually requires, and explain why due process has to be protected, even for those accused of the worst crimes.

With the death penalty potentially on the line, I unpack how that part of the trial works and why our legal standards matter for everyone, not just the presumed innocent.

If you’ve ever wondered how defense attorneys square their work with questions of morality, or why the system handles plea decisions the way it does, this episode is for you.

Here are my top takeaways:

"Not Guilty" Is a Process, Not a Claim: The initial "not guilty" plea doesn’t necessarily mean the accused claims innocence; it's a vital procedural step that sets the wheels of justice in motion and ensures the State provides evidence before conviction.

Burden of Proof Matters: The prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, not simply assert it. This protects all of us, not just the accused, and sets a uniform standard that safeguards the innocent.

Even in Difficult Cases, Standards Protect Us All: Justice means applying the process equally, even for those accused of terrible crimes. Skipping steps or making exceptions erodes the integrity of the entire system.

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...

The Karen Reed case. It's a story that’s captured national attention and is even featured in a new Netflix series. I’ll break down the legal details behind the jury’s decision: why Karen Reed was acquitted of manslaughter but still found guilty of DUI. Drawing on my own experience as a defense attorney, I explain how “lesser included offenses” played a role and why this outcome is such a big win for the defense.

Whether you’re a legal enthusiast or just trying to get a handle on what actually happened, I walk you through the key elements of this fascinating, headline-making case.

My Key Takeaways:

• Lesser Included Offense Explained: The jury found Karen Reed guilty of drunk driving but not guilty of manslaughter. This distinction arose because, although the prosecution proved she was driving under the influence, they didn’t prove she caused the death—a classic application of the “lesser included offense” principle.
• Impact on Sentencing: Being acquitted of the more serious charge meant avoiding felony prison time, leaving only the DUI conviction, something far less severe from a sentencing standpoint.
• Jury Decision Dynamics: The outcome emphasizes how disputed evidence (such as whether the accused caused harm) and the prosecution’s burden of proof can result in nuanced verdicts that significantly change a client’s future.

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

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