We answer a bold comment from a seasoned police officer who claims he’s never lost a case—and apparently, lawyers fear him at the courthouse doors.

Hey everyone, welcome back to Lawyer Talk! Steve and Troy talk about the realities of dealing with police on the street, especially when it comes to handing over your ID or deciding whether to stand your ground.

You’ll hear Steve talk candidly about why challenging a cop during a traffic stop almost never works out in your favor, and how a little courtesy goes a long way both roadside and in court. And just to clear things up, Troy asks whether lawyers actually beg officers for plea deals—or if that’s just cop talk.

It’s a real, no-nonsense conversation with plenty of personal stories, practical advice, and some good-natured banter between lawyer and student. Let’s get into what happens when you’re face-to-face with experience, authority, and the law itself!

Key Takeaways:

• Comply First, Challenge Later: Steve emphasizes that the side of the road is not the time to debate a police officer’s authority. If given a lawful order, compliance can avoid additional charges. Disputes are best resolved in court, not during the initial encounter.
• Respect and Professionalism Matter: Both highlight that maintaining respect—whether you’re a lawyer, defendant, or officer—can positively influence outcomes. Simple gestures, like providing an ID and staying courteous, often lead to smoother interactions.
• Negotiating Plea Deals Involves Many Parties: Steve clarifies that while prosecutors typically handle plea bargains, police officers can influence case negotiations. Treating everyone involved respectfully can make a crucial difference, especially if an officer’s input is needed for a favorable resolution.

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

If you’ve ever felt weird about being stopped after clearing security, or just want to know what your rights really are at the airport, this episode’s got you covered.

Why can TSA just pull you aside at the airport and dig through your bags, even if you haven’t done anything suspicious? Steve Palmer and Troy Hendrickson are tackling this head-on, starting with a listener’s YouTube question that gets right to the heart of the TSA search dilemma.

Steve breaks down the difference between actual searches that need legal justification and those “consensual encounters” we all sign up for when we choose to fly. The conversation gets into legal stuff like the Fourth Amendment, airport security policies, and an old Supreme Court case (Florida v. Royer) that spelled out where the lines are drawn.

Here are 3 key takeaways from their discussion:

• Consent is Everything: When you purchase a ticket and enter the airport, you’re essentially consenting to the TSA screening process. As Steve explains, you can always choose not to fly, but once you step into the process, searches are part of the deal.
• Not All Searches Are Equal: The courts (notably Florida v. Royer) distinguish between consensual encounters and those that require Fourth Amendment justification. Routine TSA screenings are generally considered consensual, but more targeted detentions (like pulling someone into a room) can cross the line into requiring probable cause.
• Police & TSA Can’t Collaborate for a Pretext: Law enforcement can’t use TSA procedures to skirt constitutional protections. If they use airport security as a cover to target someone they couldn’t otherwise search, that becomes a Fourth Amendment issue.

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

Steve Palmer and Troy Hendrickson jump right into the crazy buzz we’ve seen on TikTok after their chat about police body cam footage. Turns out, the internet had a LOT to say—everything from questioning why cops turn off their cameras, to jokingly (or maybe not so jokingly) suggesting lawyers should have to wear body cams, too.

Steve and Troy read through some of the most interesting and heated comments, talk about the realities of being a cop (and a lawyer), and spill on what body cams really mean for transparency and trust. Plus, challenges, the laughter, and the legal headaches this tech brings.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

• Transparency Matters: When police turn off body cams mid-investigation, it raises suspicion—even if no wrongdoing occurred. As Steve Palmer notes, "It just doesn't look good" and creates an appearance of impropriety, which can impact public trust and courtroom defense.
• Practical Challenges Exist: Body cam footage is voluminous and costly to store and review. As Steve Palmer shares, legal teams now deal with hours of video and significant storage needs; charging fees for public record requests is becoming standard.
• Not All Recording Is Equal: While some suggested lawyers should wear body cams too, attorney-client privilege means confidential communications can't be recorded like police interactions. Protecting client privacy remains paramount.

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

If you want to know how to navigate police encounters and what actually happens when you challenge a stop, you're in the right place!

Straight from your comments on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram!

In this episode, host Steve Palmer and law student Troy Hendrickson talk about what happens when police stop you and ask for ID.

Do officers have to tell you why they've pulled you over?

What counts as "reasonable suspicion" for a stop—and should you push back on the street or wait for your day in court?

From Supreme Court precedent to practical advice if you find yourself face-to-face with law enforcement, Steve Palmer shares the ins and outs of your rights, while Troy Hendrickson brings real-world scenarios to the table.

Moments

00:00 "Sovereign Citizen Rabbit Hole"

06:20 "Legal Defense Against Drug Charges"

09:14 "LawyerTalk: Advice and Insights"

Top 3 takeaways:

• Police aren’t legally required to disclose their reasonable suspicion during a stop. Steve clarifies: while officers should explain why they’re stopping you, there’s no law forcing them to disclose their suspicion to you on the street.
• It’s often safer to comply and contest in court later. As tempting as it might be to debate an officer roadside, fighting or arguing in the moment can escalate the situation. Steve Palmer suggests saving your arguments for court, where legal professionals can protect your rights.
• You don't have to forfeit your rights to challenge a stop. Even if you comply during a questionable stop, your lawyer can later raise a suppression issue in court. Protect yourself by staying calm—and letting a legal expert handle the fight.

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

Tyler Robinson Case Study: Legal Obligations, Evidence Analysis, and Death Penalty Defense

Law student Troy Hendrickson joins Steve Palmer for a candid, off-the-cuff Q&A session inspired by listener questions from recent episodes. They are discussing the complexities of high-profile legal cases. Specifically, one involving a full confession through text messages, forensic evidence, and the looming possibility of the death penalty.

Steve breaks down why even seemingly straightforward cases can turn into intricate legal battles.

They discuss everything from the importance of rigorously verifying evidence and the role of defense attorneys to the pressures of public scrutiny and the vital need to uphold legal protections for everyone, no matter the circumstances.

Whether you’re a legal enthusiast or just curious about how the justice system really works behind the headlines, this episode will give you a deeper look at the challenges and responsibilities involved in defending high-stakes criminal cases.

Moments

00:00 DNA Evidence and Reasonable Doubt

04:13 Death Penalty Legal Process Explained

07:11 "Protecting Legal Rights for All"

Key Takeaways:

Key Takeaways:

• Every Detail Matters: Even if the prosecution has what appears to be a “full confession” and rock-solid forensic evidence (like DNA and fingerprints), defense attorneys are obligated to examine every piece of evidence. Just because it "quacks like a duck," as Steve Palmer puts it, doesn't mean it shouldn't be verified.
• Complexity is More Than Evidence: High-profile cases—especially those involving the death penalty—require meticulous review not just of the facts, but of legal, scientific, and social angles. Defense teams often engage experts, from forensic analysts to mitigation specialists, to ensure every aspect is covered.
• Public Outrage Raises the Stakes: When cases land in the public spotlight, the pressure to “skip to the end” is real. Still, as criminal defense lawyers, the duty is to uphold every legal protection, regardless of public sentiment, so the integrity of the justice system is preserved for everyone.

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...

Whether you agree or disagree, there’s a lot to unpack and discuss about your rights—and the realities—during a traffic stop. Let’s get into it.

I sit down with law student Troy Hendrickson to tackle a question I’ve noticed popping up everywhere on social media: Do you really have to get out of your car when the police tell you to? After watching numerous viral videos of people refusing officers’ orders during traffic stops, I decided it was time to demystify the legal history behind this scenario—especially the Supreme Court case Pennsylvania v. Mimms.

I explain why, yes, you do have to follow police instructions in these situations (even if you disagree), and why the courtroom—not the side of the road—is where you should fight any questionable police conduct. Along the way, Troy and I explore the wider issues: officer safety, misunderstandings about the law, and the rise of misinformation online.

Here are 3 key takeaways you should know:

• You must comply if ordered out of your vehicle. Thanks to the Supreme Court decision in Pennsylvania v. Mims (1977), police can lawfully order you out of your car during a stop, even for minor violations.
• The fight happens in court—not on the roadside. Challenging a police order (even if you think it’s unfair or unlawful) on the street will result in arrest or worse. “You’re going to lose that fight…and a window.”
• Understanding why is crucial. These rules are based on “officer safety” and the structure of the rule of law. If you think your rights were violated, work with an attorney after the fact.

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

If you’ve ever wondered whether just carrying a large sum of cash could land you in legal hot water—or what steps you can take if it happens to you—this episode is a must-listen.

Host Steve Palmer is joined by Troy Hendrickson, a law student, to tackle the not-so-theoretical question: What really happens if the police take your cash during a routine traffic stop?

Steve and Troy unravel the complexities behind asset forfeiture, sharing real-life cases where drivers have had tens of thousands of dollars seized by law enforcement—sometimes with little explanation or due process. Together, discuss the legal procedures that should protect your property rights, what “due process” really means in these situations, and how a legal team actually fights to recover seized money.

They also dig into the difference between criminal charges and civil asset forfeiture, dispel myths about what cash in your car “proves,” and highlight the burdens of proof on both sides. Plus, they candidly share the frustrations and realities of navigating police departments, public records, and the sometimes slow-moving wheels of justice.

Moments

00:00 "Due Process and Contraband Notices"

03:57 Criminal Indictment and Asset Forfeiture

07:01 "Seeking Legal Help"

09:48 "Money Laundering Charges Negotiation"

13:58 Drug Mule Traffic Stop Explained

17:13 Money Possession Isn't Criminal

22:54 Roadside Bribe in Costa Rica

Here are 3 key takeaways you should know:

• Due Process Should Prevail (But Doesn’t Always): The system is supposed to require official notice and a chance to fight for your seized property. But real-world cases often leave people in limbo, unable to get a straight answer or their assets back without taking legal action.
• Just Having Cash Is Not a Crime: Simply possessing large sums of money—even if it sets off police suspicions—is not illegal. The government needs something more than "it looks fishy" or "a dog sniffed it" to justify permanent seizure.
• Challenging Seizure Is Complicated and Costly: To recover seized money, you often have to initiate a civil lawsuit, shouldering the burden to prove it's your property and that the government is holding it. This process can be lengthy, expensive, and stacked against innocent owners.

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...

If you’re curious about the machinery of high-stakes criminal trials, want to understand the strategy behind post-conviction moves, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes details from seasoned legal minds, this episode’s for you.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk, where legal education meets real-world controversy! In this episode, host Steve Palmer teams up with law student Troy Hendrickson for a special "law school edition" focused on the high-profile P Diddy trial. The guys dig into the nitty gritty of what happens between conviction and sentencing, breaking down the so-called “throwaway” post-trial motions and whether they ever actually work.

From LeBron James’ famous party quote to the real implications of a compromise verdict, Steve and Troy peel back the layers of legal strategy used in Diddy’s defense—discussing grand juries, jury instructions, and the difference between a good argument and a long shot. They also cover why lawyers sometimes file motions more for publicity than for results, and what kind of jail time credit Diddy might expect after almost two years behind bars.

Moments

00:00 "Strategic 'Throwaway' Court Motions"

04:42 "Trial Objections and Appeals"

06:47 "Always Object in Court"

10:14 "Grand Jury's Role Examined"

14:50 "Prosecutorial Misconduct Claim Raised"

16:54 Sentencing Guidelines and Considerations

19:39 "Struggling for Connection"

3 Key Takeaways:

Post-Trial Motions Matter (But Aren’t Magic Bullets):

Defense attorneys often file motions for a new trial between conviction and sentencing. While many see these as “throwaway” or strategic filings, sometimes they’re essential for preserving arguments or highlighting egregious errors like jury misconduct.

Grand Jury Isn’t Always a Shield:

The episode highlights how the grand jury process, intended as a safeguard against baseless charges, is often procedural rather than protective. Prosecutors nearly always get indictments—even with flimsy evidence—making it challenging for defendants facing stacked charges.

Publicity & Sentencing Strategy:

High-profile cases come with unique challenges. Lawyers might file post-conviction motions not just for legal reasons, but also to shape public perception. Additionally, sentencing memoranda and jail-time credit play big roles in the ultimate outcome, sometimes overlooked in law school teachings.

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