Wondering if you can appeal a sentence after pleading guilty? You’re not alone.

You’ve just left the courtroom, feeling the weight of a sentence you never expected. Now what? In this episode, Steve Palmer tackles one of the most common questions he hears from clients.

Can you appeal a judge’s sentence after pleading guilty?

He breaks down the realities of appeals, the difference between a technical win and a practical one, and why appealing a sentence is so challenging, especially if you agreed to it as part of a plea deal. Whether you’re worried for yourself or a family member, Steve Palmer offers clear, practical advice to help you understand your rights and what to expect if you’re considering an appeal. If you want to navigate courtroom decisions with confidence, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.

• Your Appeal Rights: Steve Palmer breaks down if, when, and how you can appeal a judge’s sentence—even after a guilty plea.
• Challenging a Sentence: Discover why just being unhappy with the length of a sentence isn’t enough, and what factors do make for a possible appeal.
• What Counts as a ‘Win’ on Appeal: The surprising reality that even if you win, it may just mean a new hearing where the case is sorted out from square one.
• Illegal Sentences and Exceptions: When the judge imposes a sentence “contrary to law,” appeals may make a real difference—but these cases are rare.
• Joint Sentencing Recommendations: The big risks if you’ve accepted a plea deal and agreed to a specific sentence; your rights to appeal are drastically limited.
• Practical Takeaways: Real advice for entering a plea, and the importance of understanding exactly what you’re agreeing to when you stand before the judge.

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

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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