A criminal charge can upend your life quickly. Whether you are facing your first arrest or a more serious allegation, the decisions you make in the days immediately following a charge will shape how your case unfolds. McNamee Defense serves clients in Champaign County from its Bellefontaine office and represents individuals at every stage of the criminal process, from initial investigation through trial if necessary.
Attorney Colin McNamee brings more than 15 years of criminal defense experience to each case, with a practice built around three principles: discretion, honesty, and teamwork. If you are facing criminal charges in Urbana or anywhere in Champaign County, there are important things you can do to protect yourself from the moment a charge is filed. Never hesitate to contact our firm for more information today.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
The most important thing you can do immediately after an arrest is stop talking. Anything you say to law enforcement (at the scene, in the patrol car, or at the station) can be used against you. Politely invoking your right to remain silent is not an admission of guilt. It is your constitutional right, and exercising it early protects your case.
Do Not Consent to Searches
Unless law enforcement has a warrant, you are not required to consent to a search of your vehicle, home, or belongings. Consent searches can introduce evidence that complicates your defense significantly. Refusing consent is not obstruction. It is the responsible exercise of your Fourth Amendment rights.
Document Everything You Can Remember
As soon as possible after your arrest, write down everything you remember: what led up to the encounter, what was said, who was present, and how the arrest was conducted. Details fade quickly, and what seems minor now may become important as your case develops. Share this information with your attorney, not with friends, family, or on social media.
Contact Our Defense Attorney Before Your First Court Appearance
Many people wait until after their arraignment to hire an attorney. This is a mistake. An attorney who is involved from the beginning can challenge the basis for your arrest, identify constitutional violations, prepare for bail arguments, and advise you before you say or sign anything that affects your case.
McNamee Defense handles the full range of criminal charges brought in Champaign County, including:
- OVI defense
- Drug violations
- Domestic violence
- Sex offenses
- Theft crimes
- Violent crimes
- Weapons charges
- Juvenile defense
- Probation violations
- Felony and misdemeanor defense at every level
A Charge Is Not Always a Conviction With the Right Defense
A criminal charge initiates a process, but it does not determine an outcome. The prosecution must prove each element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and there are often significant weaknesses in a case that only become apparent through careful investigation. Preserving your rights from the start keeps every option available.
If you have been arrested or are under investigation in Champaign County, call McNamee Defense at 614-782-8889 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our firm will review your situation and explain your options with straightforward, honest advice.