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

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Top 10 Lawyer Talk: Off the Record Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Lawyer Talk: Off the Record episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Lawyer Talk: Off the Record for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Lawyer Talk: Off the Record episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

March Madness Or Sadness

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

03/10/18 • 43 min

It's Amateur Hour! Steve and Jeff talk tailgating, people looking to get extra pumped-up at The Arnold, "this warm weather is making me thirsty", and how to avoid stomach-clenching blue lights.

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.

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Can Attorneys Refuse High Profile Cases? | They Don't Teach You That In Law School

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

03/12/25 • 16 min

What are the potential reasons a lawyer might withdraw from a case, and how do these reasons relate to attorney-client privilege?

With law students Bella Mata and Troy Hendrickson, I discuss the complexities surrounding a lawyer's decision to withdraw from a case. Using a recent high-profile legal situation as a backdrop, the conversation unravels the layers of ethical and moral considerations faced by defense attorneys.

Key Takeaways:

Ethical Dilemmas: Withdrawal from a case is not always straightforward. Lawyers must navigate complex ethical and moral grounds, ensuring they do not compromise the client's right to effective representation.
Reasons for Withdrawal: Common reasons include conflicts of interest, financial issues such as non-payment, and personal beliefs or moral conflicts that prevent a lawyer from providing unbiased representation.
Judge's Role: A court must grant permission for a lawyer to withdraw from a case. The judge's decision is pivotal and can depend on various factors, including the attorney's reason for withdrawal and the potential impact on the client's right to a fair trial.

Key Moments

00:00 Motivations of a Defense Lawyer

05:27 Questioning Legal Fit or Capacity

07:08 Motion to Withdraw Explained

10:30 "Judge Removal Due to Ethics"

14:24 "Rico's Uncertain Trial Status"

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.

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.

What Are The Legal Options for The Menendez Brothers? - Lawyer Talk Q & A

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

10/18/24 • 7 min

The complex case of the Menendez brothers. With new developments emerging, the case continues to capture public interest, especially with the recent release of documentaries shedding light on the sensational trial.

The Menendez brothers were convicted of murdering their parents in a case that was fraught with emotion and legal intricacies. The brothers claimed they were victims of prolonged abuse, which they argued led to their actions, while the prosecution maintained it was a case of greed and entitlement.

One of the most intriguing aspects is the newly discovered evidence that could potentially impact the brothers' sentences. A letter written by one of the brothers detailing the alleged abuse has surfaced, presenting a significant twist in the narrative. This letter, found in a storage locker, contradicts the prosecution's claim that the abuse was fabricated. The emergence of this letter raises questions about the fairness of the trial and whether the evidence could have influenced the jury's decision.

The episode also explores the legal avenues available to the Menendez brothers as they seek to appeal their sentences. Despite the expiration of typical appellate remedies, the concept of newly discovered evidence offers a glimmer of hope. The legal process is complex, involving habeas corpus petitions and the potential for re-sentencing, which are thoroughly explained in the podcast.

The role of the prosecutor in this case is examined, particularly in the context of California's unique legal provisions that allow for re-sentencing reviews. The prosecutor's office is currently reviewing the case, which could lead to a recommendation for a reduced sentence.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:30) Listener Comments

(05:45) Case Background

(10:20) Legal Defenses Discussed

(14:00) Newly Discovered Evidence

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.

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.

How Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Get Paid? | Lawyer Talk Q & A

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

06/02/25 • 11 min

I’m tackling a question I hear all the time: “How do lawyers get paid—and what actually happens if my case takes an unexpected turn?” This week, I’m breaking down a listener’s real-world concerns about flat rate fees in criminal defense cases. I’ll walk you through how these agreements usually work, what you should look for in a fee contract, and why it’s so important to have clear communication about money from the very start.

I’ll also dig into how retainer fees and hourly billing can play a role, discuss the kinds of additional expenses you might run into, and share some of my own experiences to help make sense of it all. Whether you’re in the process of hiring an attorney or just curious about the financial side of legal work, I’ll explain what you need to know in straightforward, practical terms.

Key Moments

00:00 "Essential Engagement Letter Practices"

05:23 Flat Rate vs. Hourly Fees

08:48 Understanding Lawyer Fees Limitations

10:10 Legal Fee Determinants

Here are 3 key takeaways

Get It in Writing: Always ensure your fee agreement is crystal clear and in writing. This protects both you and your attorney and eliminates confusion about what the fee covers—especially with flat rates.
Flat Fees = Predictability, but Also Flexibility: Flat fees offer peace of mind, but circumstances can change. Make sure your agreement mentions what happens if the case is dismissed quickly, or if unexpected complications arise that require more work.
Ask Questions, Don’t Assume: Steve stressed the importance of open communication. Ask your lawyer exactly what’s included in the fee, how they handle additional expenses, and whether there are extra charges if your case goes further than expected.

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.

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.

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

Our Special Guest J.D. Vance

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

03/14/22 • 51 min

J.D. Vance is the author of Hillbilly Elegy. It's his memoir, written about his upbringing and his transition into adulthood and into Yale Law School, after a very difficult, very challenging upbringing and child in poverty.

With Appalachian, Scots Irish culture, you say he grew up in anything but traditional. And that's true for professional class people. He's anything but traditional in that sense. There are so many people who are impoverished in West Virginia, in Appalachia, Ohio, and in Kentucky, that for them, it's a lifestyle that the rest of us are unaware of. And J.D'.s book really brings that to the forefront. It's a remarkable insight into that culture.

And then he attends Yale Law School, where he had to learn the whole new elite language. He has incorporated his background, his upbringing, and what he has seen in both worlds and come to a really solid foundational philosophy on government, on society, on America.

He's running for a United States Senate seat, one of the two seats that each state gets in the United States Senate. He's running for one of those two seats here in Ohio, the seat that's being vacated by the retiring Rob Portman.

We know you'll learn more about J.D. in just this short time we get to talk with him.

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.

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.

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003 – Meet Bill

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

03/08/18 • 28 min

Meet attorney Bill Fornia. Image already added Support this podcast

Tips for Starting a Successful Law Practice - They Don't Teach You That In Law School

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

12/31/24 • 65 min

Steve Palmer welcomes Glenn Harper from Harper & Co CPA Plus and get into the practical aspects of launching and managing your own law firm with valuable insights. Whether you're fresh out of law school or considering branching out on your own, this episode is packed with essential advice you won't want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

Build Strong Professional Relationships:

Invest in a supportive financial team to navigate both personal and business challenges. Glenn underscores the importance of consulting this team before making significant financial decisions to manage funds effectively.

Focus on Ethical Financial Management:

Steve Palmer emphasizes the discipline required for financial management, emphasizing the risks of financial desperation and the temptations to mishandle trust accounts. Remember, long-term financial stability hinges on maintaining transparent and honest practices.

Prioritize Building Your Network Over Traditional Marketing:

Creating long-term relationships and becoming a trusted resource within your network can outweigh traditional marketing strategies. Both Glenn and Steve agree that genuinely helping others fosters referrals and opportunities, often leading to sustained success.

Key Moments

00:00 Business operations and tax efficiency planning advice.

09:23 Create a budget and reinvest earnings.

12:11 Set minimum withdrawals; let the company grow.

19:18 Deductible expense vs. nondeductible debt payment.

24:39 Different business strategies: Income flow vs. startup needs.

27:56 Early career attorneys accept lower-value cases initially.

35:53 Avoid debt; manage business expenses responsibly.

38:57 Funds held in trust, transferred as work completes.

42:08 Maintain detailed trust account records for compliance.

49:48 Discipline leads to big profit and success.

53:13 Develop relationships with key professional contacts.

01:00:11 Cash misuse leads to financial instability and guilt.

01:04:27 Build right; avoid financial trouble and pitfalls.

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.

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.

Can You Appeal Directly to the US Supreme Court? | What's The Appeal?

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

05/13/25 • 5 min

Sarah in Ohio reaches out to ask about her nephew, who was recently convicted of attempted murder and felonious assault in what they believe was a clear-cut case of self-defense.

After losing their appeal and feeling like the state courts haven’t given them a fair shake, Sarah wants to know: can they skip straight to the United States Supreme Court?

I break down exactly how the appellate process works and why, no matter how urgent or important your case feels, you can’t just jump right to the Supreme Court.

I walk you through the legal ladder—from trial, to the Ohio Court of Appeals, to the Ohio Supreme Court, and only then, potentially, to the highest court in the land. Along the way, I explain what kinds of issues the Supreme Court is actually looking for, and why they usually don’t take up individual error corrections.

If you’ve ever wondered how—and if—a case can make it all the way to Washington, D.C., this episode will clear things up. So tune in for an inside look at the real process of seeking justice through an appeal!

Here are 3 key takeaways

No Skipping Steps: You can’t bypass intermediate appeals and go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. Every case must follow a specific appellate ladder, starting with a direct appeal, then applying for review by your state’s highest court.
Supreme Courts Are Selective: Both the Ohio Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court choose which cases they hear, typically focusing on issues with broad constitutional impact—not just error correction in a single case.
Timing and Process Matter: If your case is denied review at the state’s highest level, you have a limited window (typically 90 days) to petition the U.S. Supreme Court—and even then, getting heard is rare.

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.

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

The Path to State Supreme Courts - What's The Appeal?

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

06/10/25 • 5 min

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.

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Can You Expunge Disorderly Conduct or Misdemeanor Records? | Lawyer Talk Q & A

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record

04/21/25 • 6 min

We're tackling a question submitted by Andy through LawyerTalkPodcast.com about expunging disorderly conduct, battery, or misdemeanor charges from your record.

I break down the difference between record sealing and expungements here in Ohio, especially since the law has recently changed to allow for more complete removal of records. I explain the ins and outs of what can and can't be expunged or sealed, particularly when it comes to domestic violence or more serious crimes.

Plus, I walk you through the process of applying for an expungement or sealing, emphasizing how crucial it is to demonstrate that your interest in clearing your record outweighs any governmental interest.

If you're looking to turn over a new leaf and move forward with a clean slate, or if you're just curious about the expungement process, you're in the right place.

3 key takeaways

Understanding Ohio's Record Sealing and Expungement: Ohio recently updated its laws to include expungements, which means that once a record is expunged, it’s completely gone, unlike sealing where the record is just hidden from the public.
Eligibility Criteria for Expungement: Disorderly conduct can be expunged, but other offenses like domestic violence or sexual-related offenses might not qualify. It’s crucial to understand which charges are eligible for expungement.
The Expungement Process: Applying usually involves demonstrating that your interest in expunging the record outweighs any governmental interest. The courts want to see you’ve turned over a new leaf, which can make a compelling case for getting your records expunged.

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.

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

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FAQ

How many episodes does Lawyer Talk: Off the Record have?

Lawyer Talk: Off the Record currently has 432 episodes available.

What topics does Lawyer Talk: Off the Record cover?

The podcast is about News, Society & Culture, News Commentary and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on Lawyer Talk: Off the Record?

The episode title 'March Madness Or Sadness' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Lawyer Talk: Off the Record?

The average episode length on Lawyer Talk: Off the Record is 45 minutes.

How often are episodes of Lawyer Talk: Off the Record released?

Episodes of Lawyer Talk: Off the Record are typically released every 4 days, 20 hours.

When was the first episode of Lawyer Talk: Off the Record?

The first episode of Lawyer Talk: Off the Record was released on Feb 27, 2018.

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