I have The Experience And Skills To Help. Rest Assured It Gets Better From Here.
Providing Seasoned Criminal Defense In Central Ohio
My name is Steve Palmer and when it comes to criminal charges and accusations, I have seen it all. As a criminal defense attorney, I have over 25 years of experience in Ohio’s criminal court system. My late partner, Eric Yavitch, and I founded Palmer Legal Defense in Columbus to help protect those facing state or federal criminal charges throughout central Ohio. I can calmly guide you through the criminal process, ensure that your rights are protected and help find creative solutions to your legal challenges whenever possible.
Find out more about my background and experience as well as my team here:
Representing Clients In State And Federal Criminal Court
I use my decades of experience in Ohio’s state and federal criminal court systems to provide calm guidance, ongoing reassurance and creative criminal defense strategies for clients facing any sort of misdemeanor or felony criminal charges, including:
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) and driving under the influence (DUI)
- Drug possession and distribution charges
- Cyber and internet crimes
- White collar criminal charges like embezzlement, money laundering and fraud
- Domestic assault, violence and sex abuse crimes
- Sexual misconduct, sexual violence and assault charges
- Homicide, manslaughter and murder charges
I also represent juveniles who are facing charges in juvenile or criminal courts. I can also help clients with post-conviction proceedings and appeals. If your case is high-profile and could potentially receive national attention, I have experience handling high-profile cases.
Problem-Solving Criminal Defense Cases
I practice criminal law with the utmost respect for my clients. I understand that one bad decision made in a single moment in time does not define who you are as a person. In my years of practice as a criminal defense lawyer, I have cultivated a network of resources that includes investigators, consultants and experts all of whom I can call upon to provide assistance. Whenever possible, I will seek solutions that provide my clients with rehabilitation and recovery opportunities in lieu of jail time. I want to help you turn your criminal charges into an opportunity. Together, we can create a turning point in your life, for the better.
Rachel Palmer, Practice Manager
As the Practice Manager for Palmer Legal Defense, Rachel brings 13 years of experience in criminal justice (with expertise in corrections and investigations) and another 15 years in leadership, human resources, sales and marketing to the practice.
Rachel has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ohio University, a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tiffin University, and a PhD in Human Services with a specialization in Criminal Justice from Walden University.
Her business and criminal justice experience, combined with her extensive education, make her a tremendous asset to the practice and our clients.
Rachel is also a published author of Ethics at One Ohio Prison and the Stepmom Survival Kit, with more to come!
She is very involved in the Columbus community, participating in the Columbus Buddy Walk since 2008 and has served on the event committee in the past. She also has served in the past on the Yes! Columbus Board as Advocacy Chair, and she has also volunteered for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
Rachel is married to Steve and is a Stepmom/Bonus Mom to Drew and Matt. She is also Dog Mom to Dexter and the overall Chaos Coordinator at home! Outside of work and volunteer activities, Rachel prioritizes time with family and friends. She also loves kickboxing, walking the dog, water sports, pageantry and roller skating. On rainy days, one might find her binging on Netflix or curled up with a book. Cleaning and organizing are also favorites, but lifelong learning and helping others are passions that keep Rachel motivated.
Eric Yavitch (In Memoriam)
Eric and I founded Yavitch & Palmer with a dream – to provide professional legal service without pretense and prejudice. Eric exemplified these qualities. He was a master of his craft and was held in the highest regard by his peers. But Eric was far more than just a great lawyer. He strove to provide individual assistance and counseling to his clients. He sincerely cared about everyone he helped.
With Eric’s passing, it would be easy to abandon the Yavitch & Palmer tradition. But in his honor and memory, we will continue to provide fair, honest legal representation to those in need. In so doing, we will rely on Eric’s example as a guidepost. He lived his life selflessly. We should all strive to do the same.
Consult An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Whether this is your first arrest and you are overwhelmed by the thought of facing criminal charges or a subsequent arrest and you are facing serious jail time, I can help craft an effective legal strategy for your defense. To schedule an initial consultation, you can call my office at 614-224-6142 or send me an email by using my contact form.