The Boulder Criminal Defense Lawyer Podcast | McCabe Law

A DUI charge in Colorado does not end at the traffic stop. What happens in the weeks and months after, the tests that get run, the decisions you make, and how you conduct yourself before you ever step into a courtroom can determine everything about how your case resolves. In this episode, Ian McDavid breaks down blood testing in DUI cases, what changes between a first, second, and third offense, and the real financial and personal cost most people never see coming.
Episode 9 covers how blood tests are used in DUI prosecutions and where defense attorneys find vulnerabilities, whether a police officer can require both a breath and blood test, what happens when blood samples are mishandled, your right to have your blood retested by an independent lab, how the DUI process changes from a first offense to a second or third, what happens to your license with each additional charge, the most common mistakes first-time offenders make in the days after an arrest, what you can do proactively to help your case before court, and the ballpark cost of a DUI from first offense through repeat charges.
Ian McDavid is a Boulder-based criminal defense attorney who has represented thousands of clients and taken over 40 cases to jury trial. He breaks down the real-world legal side of DUI in plain language so that anyone facing charges or an investigation knows exactly what to do and what not to do.
If you need legal help or want to learn more about how McCabe Law can assist you, visit our page: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/dui/ 
TIMESTAMPS0:00 How blood tests are used in DUI prosecutions and where defense attorneys find vulnerabilities1:04 Can an officer require both a breath and blood test1:32 What happens when blood samples are mishandled or improperly stored2:02 Your right to have blood retested by an independent lab2:57 What to know about blood tests that most people do not3:58 First offense vs second and third offense: what actually changes5:32 What happens to your license with each additional DUI charge6:25 Common mistakes first-time offenders make the night of and after the arrest7:09 What you can do proactively before court to help your case9:49 Ballpark cost of a first DUI vs repeat offenses11:55 What the cost looks like for a second or third offense
If you are facing DUI charges in Colorado and want to understand your options, visit our practice areas page to learn how McCabe Law can help: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/ 
Visit our website to learn more about our Boulder criminal defense firm: 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  
#DUILaw #DUIColorado #CriminalDefense #BoulderCriminalLawyer #ColoradoLaw #KnowYourRights #DUIBloodTest
KEYWORDSDUI blood test Colorado, blood test retest DUI, first DUI offense Colorado, second DUI Colorado, cost of a DUI Colorado, DUI license suspension Colorado, DUI proactive steps before court, DUI defense attorney Boulder, Boulder criminal lawyer podcast, Ian McDavid attorney
SUBSCRIBEIf this episode helped you understand how breathalyzer testing actually works, 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.
ABOUT THE SHOWThe Boulder Criminal Defense Lawyer Podcast by McCabe Law breaks down the criminal justice system in plain, honest language. 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.

Most people believe field sobriety tests are a fair and scientific measure of impairment. They are not. They were designed in the 1970s, they are voluntary, and even sober people routinely fail them. In this episode, Ian McDavid pulls back the curtain on what these tests are actually measuring, why you should almost never agree to do them, and how Colorado law defines the difference between a DUI, a DWAI, and what most people casually call a DWI.
Episode 8 covers whether field sobriety tests are mandatory and how reliable they actually are as evidence, what law enforcement is grading you on that they never tell you, why body cameras have changed the role these tests play in court, the legal definitions and key differences between DUI, DWAI, and DUI per se in Colorado, what the typical penalties look like for each charge, and whether a DUI can ever be reduced or dismissed below a DWAI.
Ian McDavid is a Boulder-based criminal defense attorney who has represented thousands of clients and taken over 40 cases to jury trial. He breaks down the real-world legal side of DUI in plain language so that anyone facing charges or an investigation knows exactly what to do and what not to do.
If you need legal help or want to learn more about how McCabe Law can assist you, visit our page: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/dui/ 
TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Are field sobriety tests mandatory and how reliable are they as evidence 1:40 What law enforcement is actually grading you on that they never tell you 2:41 Should you ever agree to do field sobriety tests 3:27 Why body cameras have changed how field sobriety tests matter in court 4:11 The difference between DUI, DWAI, and DWI in Colorado 6:44 Typical penalties for DUI and DWAI charges 8:09 Can a DUI be reduced or dismissed below a DWAI
Facing DUI charges or questioning your breathalyzer results? Learn how McCabe Law can protect your rights and help you understand your legal options: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/  
Visit our website to learn more about our Boulder criminal defense firm: 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/  
#DUILaw #FieldSobrietyTest #DUIColorado #BoulderCriminalLawyer #CriminalDefense #ColoradoLaw #KnowYourRights
KEYWORDSfield sobriety test Colorado, are field sobriety tests mandatory, DUI vs DWAI Colorado, DWI Colorado explained, DUI penalties Colorado, DWAI penalties Colorado, can DUI be dismissed Colorado, walk and turn test DUI, horizontal gaze nystagmus test, Boulder criminal lawyer podcast Ian McDavid
SUBSCRIBEIf this episode helped you understand how breathalyzer testing actually works, 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.
ABOUT THE SHOWThe Boulder Criminal Defense Lawyer Podcast by McCabe Law breaks down the criminal justice system in plain, honest language. 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.

Most people assume breathalyzer results are airtight science. They are not. The state of Colorado has made it extremely difficult for defense attorneys and investigators to fully understand how these machines actually work, and the margin of error built into the system is something every driver should know about before they ever face a DUI stop.
Episode 7 dives deep into the science and limits of breathalyzer testing with Boulder criminal defense attorney Ian McDavid. Ian covers how breathalyzer machines actually function and where the results can go wrong, what medical conditions like GERD and diabetes can do to a reading, when it makes sense to refuse the breathalyzer and what happens when you do, the critical difference between choosing a breath test versus a blood test, why cannabis users and people on prescription medications need to pay close attention to which test they choose, and what vehicles beyond cars can get you a DUI in Colorado.
Ian McDavid is a Boulder-based criminal defense attorney who has represented thousands of clients and taken over 40 cases to jury trial. He breaks down the real-world legal side of DUI in plain language so that anyone facing charges or an investigation knows exactly what to do and what not to do.
If you need legal help or want to learn more about how McCabe Law can assist you, visit our page: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/dui/ 
TIMESTAMPS 0:00 How breathalyzer devices actually measure BAC and how results can be wrong 2:18 Medical conditions that can impact a breathalyzer reading 3:02 When is it smart to refuse the breathalyzer 4:03 What happens if you refuse the breathalyzer 4:44 Breathalyzer misconceptions and common mistakes people make 5:42 Breath test vs blood test and why it matters if THC is in your system 6:45 Can you get a DUI from prescription medication 7:39 DUIs on bikes, scooters, boats, and other vehicles
Facing DUI charges or questioning your breathalyzer results? Learn how McCabe Law can protect your rights and help you understand your legal options: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/  
Visit our website to learn more about our Boulder criminal defense firm: 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/  
#DUILaw #Breathalyzer #CriminalDefense #BoulderCriminalLawyer #ColoradoLaw #KnowYourRights #DUIColorado
KEYWORDSbreathalyzer accuracy Colorado, should I refuse breathalyzer, breath test vs blood test DUI, DUI prescription medication Colorado, DUI cannabis Colorado, breathalyzer error rate, GERD breathalyzer DUI, DUI defense attorney Boulder, Boulder criminal lawyer podcast, Ian McDavid attorney
SUBSCRIBEIf this episode helped you understand how breathalyzer testing actually works, 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.
ABOUT THE SHOWThe Boulder Criminal Defense Lawyer Podcast by McCabe Law breaks down the criminal justice system in plain, honest language. 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.

From the moment a police officer turns on their lights, the DUI investigation has already started. Most people have no idea what is actually happening during those first few minutes, what the officer is looking for, what they are not legally required to do, and what mistakes can cost them their case before they ever reach a courtroom.
Episode 6 breaks down the step-by-step reality of a DUI traffic stop with Boulder criminal defense attorney Ian McDavid. Ian covers what law enforcement is looking for before and after the stop, how something as simple as handing over a credit card instead of your registration can be used as evidence, when your right to remain silent applies and when it gets complicated, whether an officer can legally ask you to step out of your vehicle, what probable cause for a DUI arrest actually looks like, and whether police can search your car during a DUI stop.
Ian McDavid is a Boulder criminal defense attorney who has represented thousands of clients and taken over 40 cases to jury trial. He breaks down the real-world legal side of DUI in plain language so that anyone facing charges or an investigation knows exactly what to do and what not to do.
If you need legal help or want to learn more about how McCabe Law can assist you, contact us now: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/dui/  
TIMESTAMPS0:00 Intro and guest introduction0:34 What happens step by step from the officer's first approach to handcuffs2:51 Signs an officer looks for before pulling someone over3:36 How being nervous during a traffic stop can look like impairment4:28 Your right to remain silent during a DUI stop6:30 Can an officer legally ask you to step out of the vehicle7:23 What is probable cause for a DUI arrest8:02 What people do not realize they should be careful about during a DUI stop9:01 Can police search your car during a DUI stop
Learn how McCabe Law can help: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/  
Visit our website to explore our practice areas, read helpful legal resources, and get in touch with our team: 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 
#DUILaw #DUIStop #CriminalDefense #BoulderCriminalLawyer #ColoradoLaw #KnowYourRights #DUIColorado
KEYWORDSwhat happens during a DUI traffic stop, DUI stop Colorado, probable cause DUI arrest, right to remain silent DUI, can police search car DUI stop, DUI defense attorney Boulder, Boulder criminal lawyer podcast, Ian McDavid attorney, Colorado DUI law, signs of impairment traffic stop
If this episode helped you understand what actually happens during a DUI stop, 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.
ABOUT THE SHOWThe Boulder Criminal Defense Lawyer Podcast breaks down the criminal justice system in plain, honest language. Hosted by McCabe Law, 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.

Most people's only picture of a criminal courtroom comes from TV. And almost all of it is wrong. In this episode, Janene McCabe pulls back the curtain on what really happens in a courtroom, from your first appearance before a judge to how trials are actually structured, why most cases never reach a verdict, and what she wishes every client knew before stepping inside.
Episode 5 covers what to wear and what to avoid wearing to court, how to conduct yourself in front of a judge, what to do when emotions take over, how the prosecution and defense each play their role during a criminal trial, the biggest misconceptions people have from TV and movies, why most criminal cases resolve before trial ever begins, and why Janeine chose criminal defense as her career.
Janene McCabe is a Boulder 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 system in plain language so that anyone facing charges or an investigation knows exactly what to do and what not to do.
If you need legal help or want to learn more about how Janene McCabe can assist you, visit our practice areas page: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/ 
TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 0:14 Welcome and episode overview 1:00 What to expect when appearing in court 1:27 What not to wear to court 1:58 What not to say to a judge 2:16 What to do if you are feeling emotional or overwhelmed in court 3:19 How criminal trials actually work 3:58 What TV gets wrong about criminal trials 5:01 Why most criminal cases resolve before trial 5:52 Why Janene McCabe chose criminal defense as a career
If you are facing criminal charges or want to understand your options, 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
 
#CriminalTrial #CriminalDefense #BoulderCriminalLawyer #ColoradoLaw #KnowYourRights #CourtRoom #criminallaw 
KEYWORDS what to expect in court, criminal trial process explained, how criminal trials work, what TV gets wrong about trials, criminal defense attorney Boulder, courtroom tips for defendants, why criminal cases settle before trial, Boulder criminal lawyer podcast, Janene McCabe attorney, Colorado criminal law
If this episode helped you understand what to expect in a courtroom, 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.
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

A sexual assault accusation can upend your life before a single charge is filed. The way evidence is collected, the timeline of the allegation, and what you say or do in the hours after an accusation can determine everything about how your case unfolds. In this episode, Janene McCabe walks through exactly how sexual assault cases are investigated and what a defense attorney does to fight back.
Episode 4 covers how police investigate sexual assault allegations, what evidence is collected and when, how defense attorneys challenge accusations and evaluate digital evidence and timelines, what to avoid doing immediately after an accusation, how credibility and inconsistencies shape a case, and what factors determine the length of a sexual assault trial including the role of expert witnesses and pre-trial motions.
Janene 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 system in plain language so that anyone facing charges or an investigation knows exactly what to do and what not to do.
If you need legal help or want to learn more about how Janene McCabe can assist you, visit our practice areas page: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/
TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro0:14 Welcome and episode overview0:57 How police investigate sexual assault allegations1:48 What evidence is typically collected and when2:19 How investigation mistakes create legal challenges2:47 How defense attorneys challenge sexual assault accusations3:32 How a criminal defense attorney fights a sexual assault accusation4:12 What to avoid doing immediately after an accusation4:56 How defense teams evaluate statements, timelines, and digital evidence5:26 What is the best defense in a sexual assault case5:51 The role credibility and inconsistencies play in these cases6:20 How long does a sexual assault trial actually take6:37 What factors determine whether a trial lasts days or weeks7:17 How expert witnesses and pre-trial motions affect trial timelines
LINKS If you are facing a sexual assault accusation or any criminal charge, visit our practice areas page to learn how Janene McCabe can help: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/
 
Website: https://www.mccabe-law.net/  Sexual Assault: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/sexual-assault/ 
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  
#SexualAssaultDefense #CriminalDefense #BoulderCriminalLawyer #ColoradoLaw #KnowYourRights #CriminalLaw #FalseAccusations
KEYWORDS sexual assault defense attorney Boulder, how sexual assault cases are investigated, sexual assault accusation what to do, DNA evidence criminal defense, pretextual phone call police, consent defense sexual assault, Boulder criminal lawyer podcast, Janene McCabe attorney, Colorado criminal law, sexual assault trial length
If this episode helped you understand how sexual assault cases are built and defended, 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.
ABOUT THE SHOW The Boulder Criminal Defense Lawyer Podcast with Janene McCabe breaks down the criminal justice system in plain, honest language. Hosted by Alina 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.

Assault and domestic violence charges in Colorado carry consequences most people never see coming. Losing your gun rights, a permanent criminal record, and an arrest that happens even when both parties have injuries. In this episode, Janene McCabe breaks down everything you need to know before, during, and after an allegation is made.
Episode 3 covers the three degrees of assault in Colorado and what separates them, how domestic violence is defined under Colorado law and why it is not always physical, what immediate consequences follow an accusation, what defenses exist, how credibility is determined, what weak evidence actually looks like, and how police investigate domestic violence cases from the moment they are called to a scene.
Janene McCabe is a Boulder 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 system in plain language so that anyone facing charges or an investigation knows exactly what to do and what not to do.
TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro  0:14 Welcome and episode overview  0:55 The three degrees of assault in Colorado explained  2:08 Which assault charges do you see most often  2:30 What factors raise or lower the degree of an assault charge  2:50 How prosecutors prove intent and injury  3:10 What is domestic violence under Colorado law  3:50 What relationships lead to domestic violence charges  4:10 What immediate consequences follow an accusation  4:46 What is the best defense for domestic violence charges  5:30 What evidence matters most in domestic violence cases  6:10 What to do immediately after an allegation is made  6:35 How to prove innocence in a domestic violence case  7:06 What evidence can challenge or contradict an allegation  7:37 Why timelines, messages, and witness statements matter  8:14 What counts as weak evidence in domestic violence cases  8:38 Red flags that show up in police reports  9:19 How the absence of physical evidence affects a case  10:02 How attorneys determine the credibility of a witness  10:33 How domestic violence cases are investigated by police
LINKS If you are facing assault or domestic violence charges, visit our practice areas page to learn how Janene McCabe can help: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/ 
Website: https://www.mccabe-law.net/  Assault: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/physical-assault/ Domestic Violence: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/domestic-violence/ 
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  
#DomesticViolence #AssaultCharges #CriminalDefense #BoulderCriminalLawyer #ColoradoLaw #KnowYourRights #CriminalLaw
KEYWORDS domestic violence charges Colorado, assault charges Colorado, first second third degree assault, domestic violence defense attorney Boulder, losing gun rights domestic violence, how domestic violence is investigated, criminal defense attorney Boulder, Boulder criminal lawyer podcast, Janene McCabe attorney, Colorado criminal law
SUBSCRIBE If this episode helped you understand assault and domestic violence charges, 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.
ABOUT THE SHOW The Boulder Criminal Defense Lawyer Podcast with Janene McCabe breaks down the criminal justice system in plain, honest language. Hosted by Alina 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.

Most people believe that if police never read them their Miranda rights, anything they say cannot be used against them. That is one of the most dangerous legal myths out there, and in this episode, Janene McCabe breaks down exactly why that assumption can cost you your case before it even begins.
Episode 2 covers what actually happens the moment you are arrested, from the investigatory stop to booking and processing, what your rights are at each stage, how to properly invoke your right to remain silent, what behaviors can unintentionally escalate a police interaction, and how criminal defense attorneys build a case strategy from day one. Janene also walks through how defense teams challenge evidence, what common pre-trial motions look like, and how the decision to negotiate or go to trial is made.
Janene 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 system in plain language so that anyone facing charges or an investigation knows exactly what to do and what not to do.If you need legal help or want to learn more about how Janene McCabe can assist you, visit our practice areas page: https://www.mccabe-law.net/practice/ 
TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro0:14 Welcome and episode overview0:54 The Miranda rights myth you need to stop believing1:28 What procedures are used during an arrest2:08 What happens during booking and processing2:42 What rights you have after being arrested2:57 How to properly invoke your right to remain silent3:07 What happens if you try to explain yourself to police3:28 How to stay calm when being arrested3:50 Behaviors that can unintentionally escalate a police interaction4:25 What to focus on in the moment to protect yourself4:53 How a defense attorney builds a case strategy5:58 Criminal defense techniques attorneys actually use6:40 Common pre-trial motions and why they matter7:17 The most common criminal defense7:41 How defense attorneys challenge the prosecution's evidence8:19 The most common evidence problems in criminal cases8:58 How the defense decides whether to negotiate or go to trial
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.

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.