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 WILL HAPPEN TO MY DUI CASE WHILE COURT IS CLOSED?

Courts throughout Illinois are closed due to the COVID-19 quarantine. Any guess about when they will open is merely a guess at this point. If you already have a case in court, rest assured that it will be dealt with … Continue reading

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CAN I BE STOPPED BY POLICE FOR TINTED CAR WINDOWS?

You binge-watched your favorite season of CSI, downing the last of your favorite craft beer. Making a run to the store, the police stopped you. They said your new car’s tinted windows were too dark. The smell of alcohol then … Continue reading

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CAN POLICE SEARCH MY CAR WITHOUT A WARRANT?

The answer is they can if the search falls under the “automobile exception” to the warrant requirement. Because a driver could easily take off with the evidence before police have time to get a warrant, police are allowed to search … Continue reading

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WHAT HAPPENS IF THE STATE LOSES THE VIDEO OF MY ARREST?

During an arrest for DUI, the officer or the squad car may be filming you. In some cases, this video can help your case by showing you did not appear impaired. But what happens if that video disappears? Can the … Continue reading

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DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF CANNABIS—THE NEW ILLINIOIS LAW

With the legalization of marijuana in Illinois, now is a good time for a reminder that you can still be charged with DUI if you drive while impaired. Under Illinois law, you may not drive or be in actual physical … Continue reading

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CAN I BE ARRESTED FOR DUI FOR SLEEPING IN MY CAR?

One night, you went out with colleagues after work. The drinking ran a bit late, and it had been an especially stressful day. As you drove home, you could barely keep your eyes open, so you pulled over and fell … Continue reading

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WHEN CAN A COURT DISMISS MY DUI CASE?

DUI cases do not routinely get thrown out of court short of a plea agreement or trial. But the court can dismiss your case if it meets certain criteria. A court may dismiss a case on any of the following … Continue reading

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DO I HAVE TO COME TO COURT ON MY ILLINOIS DUI WHEN I LIVE OUT OF STATE?

The answer is usually yes. However, there are things an attorney may do to minimize some of the pain and inconvenience. For example, an attorney may be able to move the court date or request a longer interval between court … Continue reading

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ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS STATUTE REQUIRING A DRIVER TO SUBMIT TO BLOOD, BREATH AND BODILY FLUID TESTING

Overturning a lower court’s decision, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld a part of the Illinois statute on alcohol testing which requires that a driver submit to blood, breath or bodily fluid testing for drugs or alcohol where an officer has … Continue reading

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IS THE BREATHALYZER TEST RELIABLE?

You honestly didn’t have much to drink at the football game, but a police officer stopped you on the way home for improper lane usage. You took the breathalyzer test, figuring you would pass it anyway. But the test results … Continue reading

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