Breaking Down Diddy's Trial: Legal Motions and Strategies Explained | They Don't Teach You That in Law School

If you’re curious about the machinery of high-stakes criminal trials, want to understand the strategy behind post-conviction moves, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes details from seasoned legal minds, this episode’s for you.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk, where legal education meets real-world controversy! In this episode, host Steve Palmer teams up with law student Troy Hendrickson for a special "law school edition" focused on the high-profile P Diddy trial. The guys dig into the nitty gritty of what happens between conviction and sentencing, breaking down the so-called “throwaway” post-trial motions and whether they ever actually work.

From LeBron James’ famous party quote to the real implications of a compromise verdict, Steve and Troy peel back the layers of legal strategy used in Diddy’s defense—discussing grand juries, jury instructions, and the difference between a good argument and a long shot. They also cover why lawyers sometimes file motions more for publicity than for results, and what kind of jail time credit Diddy might expect after almost two years behind bars.

Moments

00:00 "Strategic 'Throwaway' Court Motions"

04:42 "Trial Objections and Appeals"

06:47 "Always Object in Court"

10:14 "Grand Jury's Role Examined"

14:50 "Prosecutorial Misconduct Claim Raised"

16:54 Sentencing Guidelines and Considerations

19:39 "Struggling for Connection"

3 Key Takeaways:

Post-Trial Motions Matter (But Aren’t Magic Bullets):

Defense attorneys often file motions for a new trial between conviction and sentencing. While many see these as “throwaway” or strategic filings, sometimes they’re essential for preserving arguments or highlighting egregious errors like jury misconduct.

Grand Jury Isn’t Always a Shield:

The episode highlights how the grand jury process, intended as a safeguard against baseless charges, is often procedural rather than protective. Prosecutors nearly always get indictments—even with flimsy evidence—making it challenging for defendants facing stacked charges.

Publicity & Sentencing Strategy:

High-profile cases come with unique challenges. Lawyers might file post-conviction motions not just for legal reasons, but also to shape public perception. Additionally, sentencing memoranda and jail-time credit play big roles in the ultimate outcome, sometimes overlooked in law school teachings.

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