diff --git a/noolite-cli.go b/noolite-cli.go
index 6e4e1da..551c918 100644
--- a/noolite-cli.go
+++ b/noolite-cli.go
@@ -20,12 +20,13 @@ func sendCommand(command string, channel, value, r, g, b int) error {
 	}
 
 	n, err := noolite.DefaultNooliteAdapter()
-	defer n.Close()
 
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
+	defer n.Close()
+
 	if command == "set" {
 		if value != 0 {
 			return n.SetBrightnesValue(channel, value)