The Karen Reed case. It's a story that’s captured national attention and is even featured in a new Netflix series. I’ll break down the legal details behind the jury’s decision: why Karen Reed was acquitted of manslaughter but still found guilty of DUI. Drawing on my own experience as a defense attorney, I explain how “lesser included offenses” played a role and why this outcome is such a big win for the defense.

Whether you’re a legal enthusiast or just trying to get a handle on what actually happened, I walk you through the key elements of this fascinating, headline-making case.

My Key Takeaways:

• Lesser Included Offense Explained: The jury found Karen Reed guilty of drunk driving but not guilty of manslaughter. This distinction arose because, although the prosecution proved she was driving under the influence, they didn’t prove she caused the death—a classic application of the “lesser included offense” principle.
• Impact on Sentencing: Being acquitted of the more serious charge meant avoiding felony prison time, leaving only the DUI conviction, something far less severe from a sentencing standpoint.
• Jury Decision Dynamics: The outcome emphasizes how disputed evidence (such as whether the accused caused harm) and the prosecution’s burden of proof can result in nuanced verdicts that significantly change a client’s future.

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 2025 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

We’re living in a world where so much of our personal information is online, from Snapchat and Instagram to emails and cell phone records. I break down exactly what law enforcement has to do to get their hands on your private data.

Do they require a search warrant, or is a simple subpoena sufficient? I explain how the Fourth Amendment applies and discuss your rights regarding privacy on these digital platforms.

I share some real examples from my own legal practice and explore what the federal Stored Communications Act says about these issues. We’ll also take a look at some key Supreme Court cases that shape how this all plays out. And if you think this isn’t relevant to you just because you’re a law-abiding citizen, I’ll tell you why privacy protections should matter to everyone.

Here are my 3 key takeaways for you:

• The Stored Communications Act & Subpoenas

Law enforcement can sometimes gain access to account information (like your identity on Snapchat) with just a subpoena, not a full search warrant. This distinction is important because a subpoena is much easier to obtain than a search warrant.

• The Fourth Amendment Still Matters

The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches, and the expectation of privacy extends to our digital lives. In many cases, courts are leaning toward requiring a search warrant (with probable cause) for authorities to access sensitive information, especially after landmark cases like Carpenter v. United States.

• Your Digital Identity Deserves Protection

There’s an ongoing legal debate: Should police need a higher standard (a search warrant) to access your hidden or pseudonymous social media identities? My answer: Yes. Protecting personal privacy—even for law-abiding citizens—is foundational, no matter how convenient the shortcut for investigators.

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 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law...

I am focusing on the complex world of unique criminal convictions—cases like shaken baby syndrome, child sex offenses, and other serious charges that nobody likes to talk about, but that I deal with every day as a defense attorney and appellate advocate.

These cases stand out because the evidence can often be questionable, and the stakes couldn't be higher. I’ll share my own experiences handling appeals and post-conviction work for clients I genuinely believe to be innocent, and I’ll explain why it’s so critical to act fast—especially when it comes to securing expert witnesses and gathering records.

If you, or someone you care about, are facing a situation like this, I want to give you some practical guidance on how to move forward after a conviction, and what to look for in a lawyer who really knows how to handle these cases. Whether you’re dealing with this nightmare firsthand or just want to understand what happens beyond the verdict, I hope this episode brings clarity, insight, and maybe even a little hope.

Here are my top 3 takeaways for legal professionals and anyone interested in the justice system:

Act Immediately & Build Your Case Early: Don’t wait until appeal deadlines loom. Engaging expert witnesses, gathering comprehensive records, and consulting specialists right at the outset can make the difference between a successful appeal and a lost opportunity.

Direct Appeal Isn’t Everything: While you can’t introduce new evidence on direct appeal, post-conviction motions allow you to present fresh insights from experts. Working both tracks at once is crucial to maximize your client’s chances.

Right Counsel, Right Tools: Not all lawyers—no matter how competent—have the specialized “playbook” needed for highly unique, emotional, or complex cases. Work with appellate counsel who know how to leverage national experts and resources from the start.

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 2025 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