This episode peels back the layers on when formal protections really start—and why the nuances matter.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! In today's episode, host Steve Palmer is joined by law student Troy to tackle an important—and often misunderstood—question: when does your right to counsel actually begin?

Inspired by a follow-up question from the show's production company, the conversation dives into the legal meaning of "adversarial proceedings" and why just being in a police interrogation room, as intense as it may feel, doesn't always mean your Sixth Amendment rights have fully kicked in.

Steve Palmer breaks down the language and definitions that matter most in the courtroom, while Troy brings a fresh perspective from law school. Whether you're a legal scholar or just curious about your rights, this episode peels back the layers on when formal protections really start—and why the nuances matter.

Here are three key takeaways from their conversation:

1. "Adversarial" is a Term of Art: The right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment doesn’t hinge on when things feel adversarial (like during a police interrogation), but rather on a technical, legal definition—the "instigation of formal adversarial proceedings."
2. Trigger Point Matters: According to Steve Palmer, this right typically attaches at the preliminary hearing stage—not simply at the initial appearance or during police questioning.
3. Words Matter in Law: Legal concepts often have specific definitions that may differ from everyday usage. Understanding these nuances is critical and makes all the difference in protecting your rights.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their...

Explore the legal realities versus TV drama in police interrogations. Learn why attorneys can't simply barge in during questioning.

Whether you’re a true crime fan, a law student, or just someone curious about what really happens behind police station doors, this episode is packed with eye-opening advice and a dash of legal humor.

Welcome back to another episode of Lawyer Talk! Today, Steve Palmer and Troy talk about the legal realities behind the hit TV show "Landman"—specifically, can a fiery defense attorney really burst into a police station and halt an interrogation, just like you see on TV?

Spoiler alert: the real world doesn’t play by Hollywood’s rules.

Drawing from their own legal insight and experience, they break down what really happens when someone is questioned by police, when your right to an attorney actually kicks in, and why your best move might just be to keep quiet.

It's a candid, myth-busting conversation that uncovers the truth about Miranda rights, the right to counsel, and how legal drama often bends (or breaks) the rules for entertainment’s sake.

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

1. Lawyers Can’t Just Burst Into Interrogations: Unlike dramatic TV lawyers, real attorneys can’t force their way into police interview rooms to “save the day.” The police aren’t required to halt questioning just because an attorney shows up.
2. Know When Your Right to Counsel Actually Starts: The right to have a lawyer present usually doesn’t “attach” until formal criminal charges are filed or a preliminary hearing is underway—not simply during a police interview or right after arrest.
3. Best Advice? Stay Quiet: If you find yourself being questioned by the police, follow the golden rule: don’t speak until you’ve talked to a lawyer. You can always request legal representation, and the police must then stop the interrogation.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses...

If you’ve ever wondered how to handle a call from the police or felt pressure to “clear your name,” this episode is packed with the insights you need to stay protected.

Welcome to Lawyer Talk Podcast. I'm Steve Palmer, your host, and in this episode, I jump right into one of the most common—and misunderstood—issues people face when dealing with police: whether or not to talk to them if you’re accused of something.

I’ll explain why your right to remain silent is so crucial, and why you should hold onto it tightly, even if you think having a lawyer by your side makes it safer.

Drawing on my own experience with clients, I talk through real-life scenarios, share how police interview tactics work, and tell you why keeping quiet is almost always your best move. I’ll walk you through the practical advice I give when clients ask if making a statement could help their case, and whether my presence during questioning changes anything.

Key Takeaways:

1. Silence is Protection: Even if you’re completely innocent, Steve Palmer explains why it's almost always best not to talk to the police. You can't talk your way out of a charge, and anything you say can be used against you.
2. Having a Lawyer Doesn’t Change the Basics: Bringing a lawyer to a police interview doesn’t guarantee protection. The fundamental danger of supplying information to the police remains, whether or not your attorney is present.
3. Know Before You Act: The police often have details and agendas you might not know about. Before making any statements, get all the facts—ideally through your lawyer, not from a police interview.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

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

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

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

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

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

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

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

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

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

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

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

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

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

Three Key Takeaways:

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

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively....

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

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

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

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

Key takeaways from the discussion:

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

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com

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

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

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

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2026 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com