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.

HOW TO DRESS FOR DUI COURT

I am often surprised at how casually some parties dress for court. The judge may pass sentence on you, so you need to impress him or her. A defendant should remember that the judge is a human being who will … Continue reading

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“I MISSED MY COURT DATE!:” THE ILLINOIS LAW ON BOND FORFEITURE WARRANTS

You overslept and didn’t make it to court. Or maybe you couldn’t get off from work. In any case, you missed the court date for your DUI. What can happen to you? What can you do? When you are charged … Continue reading

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OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS: HOT PURSUIT IN ILLINOIS

When you saw the siren, you panicked. You knew you were near the city limits or the state border and you thought if you crossed it, the police would have to stop just like in the movies. Can police follow … Continue reading

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NEW ILLINOIS MARIJUANA LAWS DO NOT CHANGE THE DUI TRACE LAW: YOU STILL CAN’T DRIVE WITH MARIJUANA IN YOUR SYSTEM

Medical marijuana is now allowed in Illinois under certain restrictions. So what does that mean if you are charged with DUI after taking that joint? Unfortunately, the penalties for driving and smoking without a prescription can still be severe, even … Continue reading

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RECKLESS HOMICIDE IN ILLINOIS

You were just joyriding. You knew you were going way too fast in that neighborhood subdivision but it was late at night and you didn’t think anyone was around. But you hit a man walking his dog. Now you are … Continue reading

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CAN THEY SEARCH MY STUFF IN SOMEONE ELSE’S CAR?

You were a passenger in a friend’s car. You had your suitcase in the backseat. Your friend got pulled over by police, and police searched your bag and found drugs or weapons. Can the police search your bag if you … Continue reading

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DO YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO DUI TESTING IN ILLINOIS?

If you are stopped for DUI, you can refuse to take a breathalyzer or perform field sobriety tests. But your ability to refuse is not a constitutional right and is not protected by your Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination. … Continue reading

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2014 UPDATE TO ILLINOIS SPEEDING LAW

For the third time since 2011, Illinois has stiffened the laws against speeding. Now, you can be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor if you speed 35 miles or more above the limit. Speeding first became criminalized as a misdemeanor … Continue reading

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“BUT IT WASN’T MY CAR!”: STOPPED FOR SOMEONE ELSE’S CRIMES

You borrowed a friend’s car. Unbeknownst to you, your friend had some legal troubles. When the police stopped the car, they ran a check on your license and discovered you had some legal trouble of your own. Can they do … Continue reading

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HOW DOES THE NEW ILLINOIS MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW AFFECT MY DUI?

As of January 1, 2014, medical marijuana became legal in Illinois provided you are a registered user with a diagnosis for one of the specified medical conditions, and you purchased your pot from a licensed dispensary. So what happens if … Continue reading

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