Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! On this special edition episode, hosts Steve Palmer and law student Troy Henricksen tackle the breaking and deeply tragic shooting involving an ICE officer in Minnesota.

With raw emotion running high and the social media machine already passing judgment, Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen set out to strip away the noise and confusion, providing a clear analysis of what actually happens legally after a police shooting like this.

They look into the critical difference between how the law treats deadly force by a civilian versus a police officer, walking through self-defense standards, justification defenses, and landmark Supreme Court rulings like Graham v. Connor.

You'll hear them debate both sides, untangle the legal elements involved, and explore what it means when state and federal authorities disagree on prosecuting an ICE agent.

Most importantly, they break it all down without the politics—just the facts, legal standards, and framework you need to better understand the chaos and complexity when headlines erupt after a law enforcement shooting.

As always, they're here not to take sides, but to help you make sense of the process.

Moments

00:00 "Civilian Self-Defense Legal Analysis"

03:44 "Ohio Self-Defense Laws Explained"

07:08 Self-Defense or Fault?

10:47 "Understanding Real-Time Defendant Perspective"

13:00 "Justification Defense in Murder Case"

16:18 "Reasonableness of Police Force"

19:52 The Dangers of Police Chases

24:05 "Debating Crime Severity in Law"

28:29 "Justified Force and Legal Debate"

29:58 "Dual Sovereignty and Prosecution"

35:23 "Analytical Framework for Complex Decisions"

Key Takeaways:

Legal Standards Are Crucial: Emotional reactions are expected, but the real decisions will follow established legal standards. The actions of law enforcement are viewed under a different framework than those of civilians, making the analysis more nuanced than social media quick takes might suggest.

Objective Reasonableness Is the Benchmark: In police shooting cases, courts rely on the "objective reasonableness" standard set by the U.S. Supreme Court (Graham v. Connor). This means the officer’s actions are judged by what a reasonable officer would do under tense, split-second circumstances—not perfect hindsight.

Jurisdictional Complexities Can Shape Outcomes: Even if the federal government decides not to charge the officer, Minnesota authorities might still pursue prosecution. However, immunity issues and federal supremacy mean any state-level charges could lead to complicated federal-court battles over whether the officer was acting within the scope of federal duties.

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

If you’ve ever wondered about your rights during an arrest, or what really constitutes “unlawful,” this episode delivers clear answers, practical advice, and a much-needed reality check.

Welcome back to another episode of Lawyer Talk! Today, Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen talk about a hot-button topic that’s sparked tons of debate and plenty of strong opinions: Can you legally resist an unlawful arrest?

Building off recent listener questions and comments, the conversation unpacks what the law actually says, where confusion often arises, and—most importantly—why the courtroom is the right place to argue an unlawful arrest, not the streets.

Together, Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen break down misconceptions about probable cause, discuss real-world scenarios, and clarify the difference between legal defenses after the fact and dangerous choices in the moment.

Moments

03:55 "Charges, Police, and Legal Defense"

07:49 "Resisting Arrest and Court Rights"

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Legal Rights vs. Practical Realities: While Ohio law recognizes resisting an unlawful arrest as a legal defense, trying to do so on the street can have dangerous—and even fatal—consequences. The courtroom is the right place to fight back, not during the incident itself.
2. Probable Cause Standard Is Low: Many people misunderstand what constitutes “probable cause.” As Troy Henricksen points out, it doesn’t take much for an officer to make a legal arrest—matching a vague description might be enough.
3. Courtroom Is the Battleground: Steve Palmer emphasizes that even if an arrest is later found to be unlawful, resistance during the arrest can lead to additional charges. The best course of action is to comply in the moment and let your attorney fight for you in court.

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

If you’re wondering about police procedures—or just want some sharp legal insight—this Q&A style episode is packed with answers and practical examples.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! In this episode, host Steve Palmer dives into a listener’s question that stirs up plenty of curiosity: Can Ohio police pull you over in an unmarked cruiser?

With law student Troy Henricksen joining in, the conversation covers the legal nuances unique to Ohio, from what counts as a “competent” police witness in traffic court to the reasons behind those uniform and marked cruiser requirements.

Along the way, Steve Palmer unpacks courtroom procedures, shares real-world stories about undercover officers, and gives listeners a deeper understanding of how traffic stops play out under Ohio law.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Uniform + Marked Car = Required for Traffic Patrol: In Ohio, for a police officer’s testimony about a traffic violation to be competent in court, they must have been in uniform and driving a marked cruiser on routine patrol.
2. Undercover Cops Face Limits: Officers working undercover or as part of a task force, driving unmarked cars, are typically not allowed to testify against drivers in routine traffic violation cases.
3. Legal Definitions Matter: Ohio has unique “competency” rules—not just about mental fitness, but specific circumstances like police attire and vehicle—that can make or break a traffic case.

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 wondered whether pushing back against police is worth it, or if you’re curious about how to actually make change, you’ll want to hear this one.

This episode of Lawyer Talk is all about when it comes to your rights and run-ins with the police. Steve Palmer tackles the flood of comments he’s been getting lately—some fiery, some thoughtful, and all worth discussing. He breaks down why arguing with cops on the side of the road might not be the best move (hint: it rarely ends well), and why the real fight happens in the courtroom.

From questions about whether the system is just a big money grab, to debates about how much freedom we’re willing to trade for safety, Steve Palmer gets into the nitty-gritty. He even shares why he became a defense lawyer in the first place—it’s not just about the paycheck!

Moments

00:00 Police, Rights, and Systemic Critique

05:48 "System vs. Street Resistance Debate"

06:54 "Comply or Face Consequences"

11:06 "Striving for Better, Not Perfect"

Key Takeaways:

1. The Courtroom Is the Battleground for Rights - Steve Palmer highlights that while asserting your constitutional rights is critical, the safest and most effective place to challenge police overreach is in court—not on the roadside.
2. Change Is Possible—But Imperfect - Our system isn’t perfect and is often influenced by "the money machine." Still, advocating for your rights inside the legal system can drive reform and uphold constitutional protections.
3. Constructive Dialogue Drives Progress - Steve Palmer encourages dissent and debate, stressing that respectful discourse and legal advocacy—not street confrontations—advance our collective cause.

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...

If you want to enjoy the holidays without unwanted encounters with the law, this episode is a must-listen!

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! In this episode, host Steve Palmer shares a timely holiday public service announcement, drawing on decades of legal experience.

As the festive season ramps up, so do risks associated with alcohol—whether it’s family arguments that get out of hand or those dangerous decisions to drive after drinking. Steve Palmer explains why law enforcement is more vigilant during the holidays, discusses the realities of sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols, and offers practical advice to keep your celebrations safe, civil, and free from legal trouble.

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 courtroom showdowns, legal strategy, and headline-making trials are your thing, you won't want to miss this episode!

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! In this episode, Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen talk about a hot legal issue that’s making big headlines: the trial of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan.

This isn’t your everyday courtroom drama—judge Dugan’s actions set off a wave of political controversy and questions about judicial authority, federal versus state power, and the real-life consequences of policies clashing in America’s courthouses.

Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen break down the facts like a law school case study, dissecting the judge’s decision to confront federal immigration agents and help an undocumented defendant avoid ICE agents in the courthouse.

The conversation covers everything from the tangled web of federal and state jurisdictions, the constitutional Supremacy Clause, and judicial immunity, to the practical strategies used in jury selection—like seeking jurors who might lean a certain way politically.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear spirited debate, memorable courthouse anecdotes, and sharp legal analysis as Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen put themselves in the shoes of both the prosecution and the defense. They predict outcomes, debate gray areas in the law, and even place a friendly wager on how this real-world legal drama will unfold.

Moments

00:00 "Judge Defies ICE in Courtroom"

03:29 "Out the Back Door"

09:13 "Supremacy Clause and Federal Law"

12:45 "Mens Rea: Intent Explained"

15:44 "Politics and Fair Trial Debate"

17:11 Jury Nullification and Political Context

20:30 "Verdict Predictions and Recap"

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

Can Police Still Search Your Car for the Smell of Marijuana?

Steve Palmer and Troy Henricksen discuss the “plain smell” doctrine—a hot topic in criminal procedure, especially with all the changes surrounding marijuana laws in Ohio. They walk you through what cops can and can’t do during a traffic stop when they detect the scent of marijuana, explaining how the Fourth Amendment and recent legal changes affect searches, privacy rights, and law enforcement actions.

Together, they break down the evolution from the days when the mere odor of marijuana was enough for a search, to today’s more complex landscape where medical and even recreational use of marijuana has changed the legal calculus.

They explain how “probable cause” is no longer as simple as it used to be, why the plain smell doctrine isn’t as clear-cut, and what this means for drivers, law enforcement, and anyone interested in constitutional rights.

If you’ve ever wondered how legalization affects your rights on the road—or if you just enjoy following the ever-changing world of criminal law—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Moments

00:00 "Fourth Amendment and Automotive Exception"

03:55 Ohio's Plain Smell Doctrine Explained

08:06 "Probable Cause and Police Inquiry"

10:45 "Law and Society Evolving"

Here are 3 key takeaways:

• The “Plain Smell Doctrine” Isn’t What It Used To Be: The once-clear rule that the odor of marijuana gave police probable cause to search your car is now muddy in Ohio and other states with legalized cannabis. Police must consider if there’s a legal reason for the odor before jumping to conclusions.
• Legalization Shifts the Burden: With legal medical and recreational marijuana, officers should now do more investigating before deciding to search. Simply smelling marijuana isn’t enough—they need facts pointing toward illegality.
• Know Your Rights: If you’re ever pulled over and marijuana is involved, you aren’t required to answer all questions. Like Steve Palmer emphasized, politely exercising your right to remain silent could matter more than ever as courts adapt to new laws.

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...

If you’ve ever wondered how verdicts really work, what rights defendants have, and whether prosecutors can get a second chance after a loss in court, you won’t want to miss this insightful episode.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! In this episode, host Steve Palmer dives into a recent Columbus, Ohio case involving police officer Connor Grubbs, who was acquitted of homicide-related charges after a controversial shooting incident. While the case sparked plenty of heated debate, today’s focus is on a fascinating legal question: can the government appeal an acquittal if they disagree with the verdict?

Drawing from his decades of criminal defense experience, Steve Palmer breaks down why—thanks to the Fifth Amendment and double jeopardy protections—the answer is a firm “no.” He also sheds light on those rare exceptions when a government CAN appeal, such as when evidence is suppressed before trial.

Got a legal question? Steve Palmer invites listeners to reach out for future episodes at LawyerTalkPodcast.com.

Key Takeaways:

• No Appeals After Acquittal: Once a jury finds a defendant not guilty, the government cannot appeal the verdict. This is a fundamental protection for defendants in our justice system.
• Limited Exceptions Exist: The government can sometimes appeal pre-trial rulings—such as when crucial evidence is suppressed—but only before trial and never after an acquittal.
• Double Jeopardy Protection: The Fifth Amendment’s double jeopardy clause prevents the government from putting someone on trial for the same crime more than once, cementing the acquittal as final.

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