Stolen: The Eminent Domain Podcast

Episode Summary:

In this episode, the hosts delve deep into the landmark case of Kelo v. City of New London. They explore how this case redefined the concept of public use in eminent domain, allowing private entities to take private property for economic development purposes. The discussion covers the background of the case, the legal implications, and the subsequent legislative responses from various states.

Key Timestamps:

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In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown and co-host Caleb Wheeler dive into the top 10 legal issues every commercial property owner should understand when facing an eminent domain case. From highest and best use to lease complications and business impact, they break down what really affects valuation, compensation, and the future of a business when the government takes commercial property.

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In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown breaks down the key differences between residential and commercial eminent domain cases. He explains how the same constitutional principles apply but with added layers of complexity — including multiple property interests, business income evaluations, fixtures, and relocation issues. From understanding valuation methods to handling severance damages and relocation righ...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown explains how mortgages are affected when the government takes private property through eminent domain. He breaks down how loans, security interests, and compensation interact during partial or full takings — and what homeowners should do to protect themselves. From understanding bank rights to managing payouts, Chad provides clear guidance on how to handle mortgage-rel...

In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown and Attorney Caleb Wheeler explain what “highest and best use” means in eminent domain cases — and why it’s one of the most important factors in determining fair compensation. They break down the four-part test used to establish a property’s true value, discuss historical court cases that shaped the concept, and show how property owners can use this knowledge to maximi...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown and Attorney Caleb Wheeler explain the importance of property valuation in eminent domain and condemnation cases. They discuss how “just compensation” is determined, the difference between full and partial takings, and the methods appraisers use to calculate fair market value. This episode helps property owners understand how valuation affects the amount they’re paid w...

In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown and guest attorney Caleb Wheeler break down what inverse condemnation means for property owners. They explain how property can lose value due to government actions—like flooding, blocked access, or zoning changes—even when it’s never officially “taken.” This episode helps property owners understand when they can take legal action to recover damages and why timing is cr...

In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown breaks down the most common easement problems that property owners face in eminent domain cases. From temporary construction to permanent utility and drainage easements, he explains how each affects your property rights and value—and why understanding them is key to getting full compensation.

01:00 –  Overview of the episode’s focus on common easement i...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown explains the complex world of easements and how they impact property owners, especially in eminent domain cases. Many property owners don’t know their rights or what is being taken from them, which can lead to losing more than they should. Chad breaks down different types of easements, how they are created, and why understanding them is crucial for ensuring fair compen...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown and his guest discuss one of the most critical elements in any eminent domain case — the appraisal. They explain how appraisals determine fair compensation for property owners, the qualifications required to become an appraiser, and why understanding the appraisal process can make or break your case. The conversation also dives into how appraisers assess property value...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown breaks down the pre-litigation phase of eminent domain, explaining how property owners can protect their rights before legal action begins. Learn how government projects start, the role of right of way agents, the importance of appraisals, and why early engagement is critical to ensuring fair compensation.

Key Takeaways & Timestamps:

01:10 – Pre-litigation vs. li...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Stolen, Attorney Chad Brown breaks down eminent domain and land condemnation, providing a clear overview of what property owners need to know. From the historical roots of eminent domain in Rome and England to the modern U.S. legal framework, Chad explains how public use and just compensation are determined, and why property owners often need professional guidance to ensure fair treatment when th...

In this first episode of Stolen: The Eminent Domain Podcast, Attorney Chad Brown introduces the mission behind the show — protecting property owners from unfair government land takings. He’s joined by Attorney Caleb Wheeler, head of the Eminent Domain Division at Chad Brown Law, who explains how the process works, what rights landowners have, and why legal representation is key. Together, they share how property ow...