Stephen E. Palmer Law Blog

Folks have been using marijuana as a recreational drug for years and years.  It’s a substance that grows “naturally.” And it is perceived by many as a harmless substance-- Or, at least, far less harmful than the other “hard” drugs.  There is probably some truth to this.  Cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine, methamphetamines, opiates, etc., are far more addicting and have greater negative consequences.  Even alcohol can have a more severe impact... Read More

We’ve discussed before the various forms of OVI cases in Ohio.  But here’s a quick refresher.  There are two general types—impaired and per se.  An impaired offense means just that.  The prosecutor has to prove that the driver was impaired.  A per se offense results when someone has a blood, breath, or urine test above the limit.  In a case where someone refuses, we usually see an impaired offense.  When someone takes... 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

Imagine this conversation:
“Mommy, why does Daddy’s car have a different license plate?”
“Well.  Daddy’s car is special.”
“But Why?”
“Because the courts in Ohio say so.”

They are, of course, talking about the yellow plate requirement.  Most of us in Ohio have heard something about this unthinkable horror.  It’s one of the most common questions we get.  Everyone wants to know if... 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

Under Ohio law, it’s a crime to possess marijuana and other controlled drugs.  The good news is that possession of marijuana in small amounts is only a misdemeanor.  Small enough amounts, it’s only a minor misdemeanor (the same as a jay walking violation).  Possession of paraphernalia (the pipe used to smoke it) is also a lower level misdemeanor.  For obvious reasons, we often see both charges together.... 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

Cinco de Mayo parties are now the mainstay.  Every Mexican restaurant, cantina, and bar rolls out the red carpet to eager partiers looking for some late spring fun. How many of those partiers, I wonder, actually know what the whoopla is all about?  Like many such “party” holidays, it has a meaningful history.  It has evolved in the United States as a means to celebrate Mexican heritage. So why talk about it here?  Because to those that don’t have any Mexican... Read More

Spring is in the air.  And to many folks that means turkey season.  The first time out, the woods are waking up, time to dust off the hunting gear and pattern in that shotgun. But not for those accused of a violent crime or a felony. ... Read More