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.

LEAVING THE SCENE AND DUI: A TOXIC COMBINATION

You stayed too late at the party and drank too much. On the way home, you heard a thud. You’re not sure what you hit, but you panicked and fled. Somehow the cops figured out where you lived, and you’re … Continue reading

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COOK COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT ALERT: NEW CELL PHONE BAN

Cook County Circuit Court has a new security rule at the courthouse. As of April 15, 2013, visitors to any Cook County Courthouse other than the Richard J. Daley Center can no longer bring in cell phones or electronic communications … Continue reading

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THE POLICE NEED A REASON TO STOP YOU: ILLINOIS LAW ON ARRESTS

You really hadn’t done much. You and your friend were parked side by a side in a deserted lot. You handed a small package to your friend, and he pulled off. Next thing you know, the police blocked your car. … Continue reading

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“I HAVE AN OPEN DUI CASE FROM YEARS AGO”: CLEARING UP AN OLD DUI IN ILLINOIS

Many years ago, you were stopped for DUI. At the time, you were unwilling to deal with the problem, so you simply blew off court or maybe you went to Court but didn’t complete the treatment or pay the fines. … Continue reading

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“SOMEONE TOLD THE POLICE I WAS DRUNK!”: WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED FOR DUI BASED ON A TIP

You had a few drinks at the bar over the course of a few hours. You hadn’t broken any laws on your way home, but the police stopped you and arrested you for DUI. Turns out someone from the bar … Continue reading

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IMPROPER LANE USAGE IN ILLINOIS: A PATH TO DUI

After a few drinks at a party, you were driving home listening to your favorite CD, when you heard the siren behind you. The police pulled you over because you had crossed momentarily into the adjoining lane. Once stopped, the … Continue reading

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WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR DUI?

Depending on the level of your offense, the penalties for DUI can range from an expensive and painful slap on the wrist to years in prison. Unless you are found not guilty, many DUIs result in a conviction. Only a … Continue reading

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PUT AWAY THAT PHONE!: NEW ILLINOIS TRAFFIC LAWS ON TEXTING AND PHONING

While Illinois has not completely banned cell phones while driving, new laws are limiting when and where you can use them. The new laws target hand-held devices. As of January 1, 2013, you may not use a hand-held device within … Continue reading

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“I DROVE ANOTHER CAR!”: WHEN YOU HAVE VIOLATED YOUR MONITORING DEVICE DRIVING PERMIT (MDDP)

As a first time DUI offender, you were eligible to receive a Breath Activated Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) under an MDDP. You paid your fees and had the device installed. Generally, you take your own car and blow into the … Continue reading

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BE CAREFUL WHAT PEOPLE CAN SEE IN YOUR CAR! THE PLAIN VIEW EXCEPTION TO POLICE SEARCHES IN ILLINOIS

You ran a red light when the police officer pulled you over. After making the stop, the officer noticed some spoons and straws sticking out of your visor. The officer opened the visor. As it turns out, you stashed a … Continue reading

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