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.

WHAT IS DRIVING ON A SUSPENDED LICENSE IN ILLINOIS?

You pled guilty to DUI a couple months ago, and now your license is suspended.  Unfortunately, you needed to get someplace fast, and you thought you could get away with driving just this once.  But after you missed a stop … Continue reading

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WHAT IS THE CRIME OF STREET RACING IN ILLINOIS?

The scene comes at the end of the movie American Graffiti.  Two cars racing side by side, one driven by Harrison Ford with Cindy Williams as passenger.  Harrison’s car loses control, flips over and sets on fire.  Luckily, no one … Continue reading

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AGGRAVATED DUI WITHOUT A DRIVER’S LICENSE

In Illinois, a simple DUI can become an aggravated offense if your license is not in order.  There are two ways that this can happen: Your license was revoked or suspended because you have a prior DUI, reckless homicide or … Continue reading

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CAN POLICE ARREST THE DESIGNATED DRIVER FOR DUI?

You went out with friends for a birthday.  Early on, you had a few drinks but after that you sipped ginger ale in order to be the designated driver.  A few hours later, police pulled you over for speeding. Then, … Continue reading

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WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING IN ILLINOIS?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving killed 3,308 people in 2022.  But what exactly is distracted driving? In Illinois, you may not drive while using a wireless telephone or electronic communication device. This includes streaming video, … Continue reading

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DO I NEED TO COME TO COURT FOR A TRAFFIC TICKET?

You were driving home from work when you got nailed for speeding. Or maybe you simply blew a stop sign or failed to signal. You wish to contest the ticket, but the court date is set for a time when … Continue reading

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IS IT TOO LATE TO CLEAR MY OLD ILLINOIS ARREST WARRANT?

Years ago, you got in trouble in Illinois.  You were arrested for a DUI or some other criminal offense, and then you left the state without finishing your case.  Maybe you never actually lived in Illinois and picked up the … Continue reading

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CAN POLICE TEST MY BLOOD IF I AM UNCONSCIOUS?

You appear to have caused an accident when driving home from a party.  The crash was bad enough that you were knocked unconscious.  When you came to in the hospital, the medical staff had tested your blood for substances and … Continue reading

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WHEN YOUR DUI IS CAUSED BY A PRESCRIPTION DRUG

You would never drink and drive. You are always very careful about that. But the doctor just gave you a new prescription, and nobody warned you that you could become sleepy behind the wheel of a car. Next thing you … Continue reading

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IS SPEEDING A MISDEMEANOR IN ILLINOIS?

The answer is yes, depending on how fast you were going. Speeding between 26 and 35 miles over the limit is a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail.   Speeding 35 miles over the limit and … Continue reading

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