Wondering why your public defender keeps telling you to plead guilty? Here’s what’s really going on behind the scenes.

If you’ve ever sat across from your public defender and wondered, “Why on earth do they keep telling me to plead guilty?”—you’re not alone, and you’re asking the right questions. I tackle that awkward, frustrating situation and clears the air on what’s really happening in the world of criminal defense.

I explore what lawyers do when clients want to fight a case, but the odds (and the evidence) aren’t exactly in their favor. It’s not the lawyer’s job to decide if someone is guilty. That’s up to the court and the jury. Instead, lawyers focus on whether the government can actually prove their case.

Legal advice isn’t about judging you. It’s about looking out for your best interests. Sometimes, pleading guilty can actually get you a better result if a trial is likely to end badly. But even if your lawyer thinks you did it, it doesn’t mean they won’t stand by you, go to trial, and fight for your rights.

Quick Takeaways:

• Public defenders aren’t trying to judge. They want to make sure the government can really prove their case 00:42.
• Sometimes a guilty plea is just the better option if the odds are against you 01:56.
• You always have the choice to fight your case, but your lawyer’s advice helps you make an informed call 02:05.
• Defense lawyers are essential for making sure everyone, guilty or innocent, gets a fair shake in court 01:37.
• Honest conversations about the evidence and your chances are what really matter before heading to trial 02:05.

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

If you thought plea agreements meant guaranteed sentences, think again. Find out what really goes on in Ohio courtrooms.

Ever been told your case had a “deal” on the table, only to walk out with a harsher sentence? I explain why that happens, diving into the ins and outs of plea deals, judges’ decisions, and what can shake up the outcome, even at the very last minute.

What you’ll take away:

• In Ohio, plea deals are just suggestions. The judge can go their own way 00:53
• Judges might hand down a tougher sentence, even if everyone else agrees on something lighter 01:17, 02:06
• Victim impact statements can completely change a judge’s mind 02:09, 02:27
• Sometimes judges change course without warning (and withdrawing your plea isn’t easy) 03:56, 04:08
• Why it’s so important to know this before you ever accept a plea 03:15

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

Are you legally allowed to carry your concealed handgun with a suppressor in Ohio? Learn about dangerous ordinance laws here.

Can You Legally Carry a Concealed Handgun with a Suppressor in Ohio? Here’s What Every Gun Owner Needs to Know

Navigating Ohio’s gun laws can be trickier than many realize—especially when it comes to suppressors (silencers) and concealed carry. Even if you’ve done everything right, a small misstep could turn lawful activity into a felony. Steve Palmer breaks down why this legal loophole matters, and what gun owners must watch out for.

Episode Overview

• Steve Palmer explains constitutional carry in Ohio and how the state’s definition of a "dangerous ordinance" surprisingly includes firearm suppressors (00:47).
• The current law means you could lawfully own a suppressor and handgun, but carrying them together—concealed—could make you a felon (01:32).
• He highlights recent legal challenges and possible changes to suppressor regulations following court rulings like the Silencer Shop Foundation case in Texas (02:47).
• Important implications for gun owners while driving: having a suppressor-attached handgun in your vehicle could land you in legal trouble (03:34).
• Steve Palmer advises practical steps to avoid violations and previews how future legal reforms could resolve these issues (04:24).

Top Takeaways

• In Ohio, a suppressor is considered a dangerous ordinance—making it illegal to carry concealed when attached to a handgun.
• Concealed carry with a suppressor, even in your car, currently risks felony charges.
• Federal and state laws don’t always align; recent cases may change registration requirements for suppressors.
• Legal reforms or court challenges could change these rules, but for now, gun owners must be vigilant.
• Practical advice: remove the suppressor when transporting your gun to avoid legal issues (04:30).

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