If you’ve ever wondered how to handle a call from the police or felt pressure to “clear your name,” this episode is packed with the insights you need to stay protected.

Welcome to Lawyer Talk Podcast. I'm Steve Palmer, your host, and in this episode, I jump right into one of the most common—and misunderstood—issues people face when dealing with police: whether or not to talk to them if you’re accused of something.

I’ll explain why your right to remain silent is so crucial, and why you should hold onto it tightly, even if you think having a lawyer by your side makes it safer.

Drawing on my own experience with clients, I talk through real-life scenarios, share how police interview tactics work, and tell you why keeping quiet is almost always your best move. I’ll walk you through the practical advice I give when clients ask if making a statement could help their case, and whether my presence during questioning changes anything.

Key Takeaways:

1. Silence is Protection: Even if you’re completely innocent, Steve Palmer explains why it's almost always best not to talk to the police. You can't talk your way out of a charge, and anything you say can be used against you.
2. Having a Lawyer Doesn’t Change the Basics: Bringing a lawyer to a police interview doesn’t guarantee protection. The fundamental danger of supplying information to the police remains, whether or not your attorney is present.
3. Know Before You Act: The police often have details and agendas you might not know about. Before making any statements, get all the facts—ideally through your lawyer, not from a police interview.

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