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 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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AM I AUTOMATICALLY GUILTY OF AGGRAVATED DUI WHEN THE ACCIDENT KILLED SOMEONE?

The answer depends on the evidence against you and how the state has charged your offense. The state can charge you with aggravated DUI if you were involved in a motor vehicle crash (including with a snowmobile or boat) that … Continue reading

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CAN I BE CONVICTED OF RECKLESS HOMICIDE BASED ON  DUI?

The answer is not necessarily. That said, the DUI doesn’t help. You commit reckless homicide when you unintentionally cause a death without lawful justification by recklessly driving a vehicle (including a snowmobile or boat)  in a manner likely to cause … Continue reading

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CAN I BE STOPPED BECAUSE OF SOMETHING HANGING FROM MY MIRROR IN ILLINOIS?

The answer is yes, but only until January 1, 2024.  As of that date, Illinois has changed its law. After January 1, you cannot be stopped solely because of that air freshener hanging from your rearview mirror.  However, Illinois law … Continue reading

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