Author Archives: mdkeenan

About mdkeenan

A criminal and school law attorney with over 17 years of experience, I have successfully represented clients all over the Chicago area. My practice includes DUI, felony, criminal, misdemeanor, homicide, internet crime, retail theft, traffic offenses, cyberstalking, drug crimes, weapons violations, domestic battery and juvenile crime. I also represent families involving school cases. My clients come from all over the Chicago area including Skokie, Wilmette, Niles, Northbrook, Glenview, Evanston, Winnetka, Highland park, Northfield, Park Ridge, Des Plaines and Mount Prospect. I am a member of the ACLU and the Illinois State Bar Association. I serve as a volunteer for First Defense Legal Aid. Se habla espanol.

CAN I STAY OUT OF JAIL ON AN AGGRAVATED DUI BEFORE TRIAL?

Even though Illinois abolished cash bail, you may still be held in jail on a DUI before trial if  you are a threat to safety or a flight risk. Even so, the state must show by clear and convincing evidence … Continue reading

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WHAT TO EXPECT ON A SECOND DUI

You swore you’d never drink and drive again, but you did it anyway and now you have a second DUI. What can happen to you? What can you do? As you might expect, the penalties are greater for a second  … Continue reading

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CAN I BE CHARGED WITH DUI IF I HAVE A MEDICAL CANNABIS CARD?

  The answer is yes.  But your cannabis card makes a difference as to what the state must prove. As of January 1, 2020, you may legally consume certain amounts of cannabis if you are over age 21. If you … Continue reading

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WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU VIOLATE PROBATION IN ILLINOIS?

Your original criminal case ended in a sentence of supervision or probation, albeit with certain conditions.  You thought you were done.  But now the state is trying to violate you.  Maybe you failed a drug test, failed to pay a … Continue reading

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CAN YOU BE CONVICTED OF DUI IF YOU ARE BELOW THE LEGAL LIMIT?

Even if your breathalyzer reading is below .08, police can still charge you with DUI. That’s because the .08 limit is only a legal presumption that you were intoxicated. A reading below .08 can help disprove that presumption of drunk … Continue reading

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THE PROS AND CONS OF TAKING THE BREATHALYZER

You were on your way home from a night out on the town when the police pulled you over for a minor traffic violation.  They asked you to perform some field sobriety tests and take a breathalyzer.  Should you do … Continue reading

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THE ABCs of DUI Defense

You didn’t see the cop until you went through the stop sign. Or maybe you were in an accident after leaving a party, and the cops were called. Now you are charged with drunk driving.  Can you defend your case? … Continue reading

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DID THE OFFICER’S REASON FOR STOPPING YOU DISAPPEAR?

You were driving down the road when you thought you saw an animal so you slammed on your brakes.  Then you noticed a police car behind you. After a few blocks, the officer stopped you, even though your driving was … Continue reading

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CAN AN OFFICER’S PREJUDICE BE A DEFENSE TO DUI?

You had an argument with your wife, and the police came to your house.  After you both cooled off, the officer gave you a stern talk but decided not to make an arrest.  The very next night, the same officer … Continue reading

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CAN POLICE USE THE RESULTS OF A HOSPITAL BLOOD TEST AGAINST YOU?

You thought you were safe to drive, but unfortunately, you caused an accident.  An ambulance took you and the other party to the hospital.  At the hospital, the nurse drew your blood to run some tests.  One test was for … Continue reading

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