What Criminal Defense Actually Is | Boulder Criminal Defennse Lawyer Podcast Ep. 1

Most people have no idea what a criminal defense attorney actually does until they desperately need one. In this episode, we break down the basics of criminal defense law, who it protects, when to call a lawyer, and why the steps you take before charges are even filed can make or break your case. Episode 1 covers everything from what constitutional rights a defense attorney is protecting, to why there is no such thing as an informal conversation with police. You will learn the most common mistakes people make before hiring a lawyer, how to respond if a detective calls you out of nowhere, and what signs to watch for if law enforcement may be building a case against you without your knowledge. Janine McCabe is a Boulder-based criminal defense attorney and courtroom litigator who has taken nearly 100 cases to trial across municipal, county, and district courts in Colorado. She breaks down the criminal justice process in plain language so that anyone facing an investigation or charge knows exactly what to do and what not to do. TIMESTAMPS  0:00 Introduction 0:52 What is criminal defense law? 1:12 What does a criminal defense lawyer actually do? 1:31 Constitutional rights your attorney protects 2:12 General lawyer vs. criminal defense specialist 2:29 When should you hire a criminal defense attorney? 2:54 Why you should never talk to police without a lawyer 3:32 What experience matters most when choosing a defense attorney 4:03 How the attorney's role shifts from investigation to trial 4:37 How to know if your lawyer is doing a good job 5:46 Why someone hires a criminal defense attorney 6:39 What happens in the first meeting 7:16 Most common mistakes before hiring a lawyer 7:47 Why waiting too long to hire a lawyer can hurt your case 8:09 How talking to friends, family, or on social media can affect your case 8:50 What to do immediately if you think you are being investigated 9:05 How to know if you are being investigated 9:31 Signs law enforcement may be building a case against you 9:56 What to do if investigators reach out 10:27 Why informal conversations with police are never actually informal 10:44 The safest way to respond if police ask for an interview If you are facing criminal charges or think you may be under investigation, visit our practice areas page to learn how Janene McCabe can help: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/  Website: https://www.mccabe-law.net/   Connect with McCabe Law: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccabelawfirm/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janenemccabelaw/   TikTok: https://www.facebook.com/janenemccabelaw/   X: https://x.com/mccabelawfirm_  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mccabelawfirm/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mccabelawfirm  #CriminalDefense #BoulderCriminalLawyer #KnowYourRights #MirandaRights #CriminalLaw #ArrestedNow #ColoradoLaw KEYWORDS  what happens when you get arrested, Miranda rights myth, criminal defense attorney Boulder, how to invoke right to remain silent, booking and processing after arrest, criminal defense case strategy, challenging evidence in court, pre-trial motions Colorado, Boulder criminal lawyer podcast, Janene McCabe attorney If this episode helped you understand what to do if you are ever arrested, subscribe so you never miss an episode. Every week we break down the criminal justice process in plain language so you always know your rights.  Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@mccabelawfirm   ABOUT THE SHOW  The Boulder Criminal Defense Lawyer Podcast with Janene McCabe breaks down the criminal justice system in plain, honest language. Hosted by Elena Nicole, each episode covers the questions people have but rarely know where to ask, from what defense attorneys actually do to how cases are investigated, built, and fought in court.