Stephen E. Palmer Criminal Law Blog

March Sadness

Every year I write about March Madness.  Not because I really love basketball.  But because it’s like the fertile crescent for cops looking for drunks to arrest.

Think about it.  People have been cooped up and miserable for 2 months without any great reason to go out.  Then comes March.  The weather turns.  The sun comes out.  The beer turns green half-way through the month.  This is when it really gets fun.

If... Read More

We have received several calls lately from folks who have been charged with Domestic Violence.  The problem is that these individuals already entered guilty pleas in their case, thinking that it was “no big deal.” 

Domestic Violence is a serious issue in our society.  But there are many instances that should never have been brought to court.  In these cases, there is often an argument between co-habitants.  Maybe the situation escalated to... Read More

In short, experience counts.  Long-term relationships in the criminal system count.  And years of jury trial experience count.  An attorney, like an experienced carpenter, has learned the tricks of the trade over many years, dealing with many jobs.  Creativity and “outside the box” legal thinking are born from experience.  These things can’t be gained overnight.... Read More

Just about everyone has heard of the attorney-client privilege.  And we all have an idea about what it means.  But how much does the privilege really protect us? There’s been some public debate in Columbus, Ohio about this issue. Let’s clear it up a brief explanation.... Read More

We have defended many child abuse cases over the years.  Allegations range from “shaken baby syndrome” to ugly allegations of child sex abuse.  Typically these allegations involve close families, where a mother, father, or step-parent is accused of something awful. But what if the person didn’t do it? ... Read More

Computer crimes range from improper internet chat to downloading illegal pornography.  This is a tough subject.  And societal views on things like child pornography are understandably harsh.  We have all seen the special interest TV shows where the host engages in private “sting” operations.  There is a fake internet “chat” relationship.  The sting operator poses as an underage person, and the culprit responds.  The show then sets up hidden c... Read More

Laws are constantly changing. Understanding criminal law in Ohio can be a daunting process and becomes easier with professional help.  If you are being charged with a crime, look for criminal defense lawyer to help you understand criminal law at the local and state level.  He or she will know all the latest changes as well as standard criminal laws at the lo... Read More

Intensity often rises in cases of violent crime.  In the year 2008, the state of Ohio incarcerated 26,993 offenders, of which 24 percent “were committed for crimes against persons (e.g., robbery, assault, domestic violence, homicide-related offenses)” according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.  These... Read More

Being charged with a crime can be unnerving.  Even if you believe you are fully innocent, it is important to seek a criminal defense lawyer to help prove your innocence.  While you may know you are innocent, it is yet to be proven to the court, judge, and jury.  Having a good criminal defense lawyer on your side becomes invaluable to the outcome of your case.... Read More

Having an Ohio criminal defense lawyer available to assist you can be invaluable based on the amount of documentation you need to prepare for your appeal, not to mention peace of mind.  Your attorney will guide you through the steps of filing a criminal appeal, ensuring you complete every requirement satisfactorily.... Read More