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.

NON-CITIZEN DEFENDANTS, BEWARE! COURTS NEED NOT WARN YOU ABOUT THE IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR GUILTY PLEA

Posted on December 8, 2015 by mdkeenan

Decades ago, when a non-U.S. citizen was convicted on a charge such as DUI, their lawyer could tell them not to worry about their immigration status. It was highly unlikely that the government would bother to deport you. Those times … Continue reading →

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I DROVE SOMEONE ELSE’S CAR: DRIVING WITHOUT A BAIID IN ILLINOIS

Posted on November 2, 2015 by mdkeenan

After you were charged with DUI, the court allowed you to drive with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID). But you’d had a couple beers and you knew you’d get in trouble if you blew into the device. So … Continue reading →

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NEW ILLINOIS LAW EXPANDS DRIVING PERMITS FOR AGGRAVATED DUI OFFENDERS

Posted on September 28, 2015 by mdkeenan

A change to Illinois law allows a driver who has one Aggravated DUI conviction involving great bodily injury to apply for a restricted driving permit. The restricted permit would let you drive when using a breath alcohol ignition interlock device … Continue reading →

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COOK COUNTY JUDGE CHALLENGES ILLINOIS SPEEDING LAW

Posted on September 14, 2015 by mdkeenan

(UPDATE – June 16, 2016 – In People v Rizzo, the Illinois Supreme Court held that the law denying supervision to first-time excessive speeders does not violate the proportionate penalties clause of the Illinois Constitution.) A Cook County Circuit Court … Continue reading →

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NEW LAW ALLOWS OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS TO END THEIR ILLINOIS DRIVER’S LICENSE REVOCATION

Posted on September 7, 2015 by mdkeenan

If you live out of state and your driver’s license has been revoked in Illinois due to four or more DUIs, a new law may allow you some relief. As of January 1, 2016, you may apply to terminate that … Continue reading →

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DO I NEED A TRANSLATOR FOR DUI COURT IN ILLINOIS?

Posted on August 24, 2015 by mdkeenan

The answer to that question depends on how comfortable you are using the English language. If there is any doubt, it may be best to err on the side of caution and ask for an interpreter early in your case. … Continue reading →

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UPDATE TO ILLINOIS SPEEDING LAW: THE CRACKDOWN CONTINUES

Posted on August 17, 2015 by mdkeenan

As of January 1, 2016, Illinois is toughening its speeding laws once again. This time, the legislature has created the offense of aggravated special speed limit. Aggravated special speed limit applies to school and construction zones. If you drive 26 … Continue reading →

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COMPOUNDING THE PROBLEM: DRIVING ON A REVOKED OR SUSPENDED LICENSE IN ILLINOIS

Posted on August 5, 2015 by mdkeenan

I always warn my clients not to drive after their license is suspended for DUI. Once in trouble, you simply become a magnet for more. Recent Illinois case law has held that even if your license has already been revoked, … Continue reading →

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DRIVING: DUI EVIDENCE IN ILLINOIS

Posted on July 20, 2015 by mdkeenan

To be convicted of DUI in Illinois, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or another drug. To determine if a defendant was really … Continue reading →

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PROPOSED ILLINOIS LAW TAKES MARIJUANA OUT OF THE DUI TRACE LAW

Posted on July 3, 2015 by mdkeenan

A proposed Illinois law would resolve some of the conflict between liberalized marijuana laws and their impact on DUI. Under a current Illinois law, known as the “trace law,” you may be convicted of DUI if you have any unlawful … Continue reading →

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