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.

ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT CASE TOUGHENS DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS

Posted on August 11, 2011 by mdkeenan

You enjoy smoking pot, but you don’t do it often. About a week after your last toke, you missed a red light and plowed into an oncoming car. The other driver was killed and you were taken to the hospital. … Continue reading →

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BUT I WASN’T EVEN DRINKING: FALSE ARREST IN ILLINOIS

Posted on July 25, 2011 by mdkeenan

You were driving home from a social outing early in the morning. You had a couple beers, but that was hours ago. So you were somewhat surprised to be pulled over by police. You were even more surprised when you … Continue reading →

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THE NEW ILLINOIS DRIVER’S LICENSE REVOCATION LAWS FOR DUI-RELATED ACCIDENTS

Posted on June 13, 2011 by mdkeenan

Starting July 1, 2011, Illinois has a new law allowing the Secretary of State to automatically revoke your license after a traffic accident. The new law is geared to stiffen penalties against drunk drivers, but may impact even those who … Continue reading →

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PARENTS, BEWARE!: THE ILLINOIS LAW ON SOCIAL HOSTING OF TEEN DRINKING PARTIES

Posted on April 25, 2011 by mdkeenan

In Illinois, parents who allow social hosting can find themselves exposed to criminal, municipal and civil penalties. Continue reading →

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AGGRAVATED DUI IN ILLINOIS: DEFINITION, PUNISHMENT AND DEFENSE

Posted on April 18, 2011 by mdkeenan

Under certain circumstances, you can be charged with aggravated DUI, punishable as a Class 4 felony by 1 to 3 yeas in jail and up to a $25,000 fine. These circumstances include causing an accident which resulted in great bodily harm or having too many DUIs on your record. If you are charged, you should contact an experienced attorney immediately to preserve your rights and prepare your defense. Continue reading →

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LEAD-FOOTED DRIVERS, BEWARE!: ILLINOIS’S NEW SPEEDING LAW

Posted on March 21, 2011 by mdkeenan

As of January 1, 2011, Illinois drivers with a heavy foot on the pedal face much stiffer penalties for excessive speeding. The new Illinois law targets drivers who speed more than 31 mph over the limit. What used to be … Continue reading →

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TO BREATHE OR NOT TO BREATHE: TAKING THE BREATHALYZER

Posted on February 26, 2011 by mdkeenan

If you are arrested for DUI, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is whether to take or refuse the breathalyzer. While the Illinois Secretary of State imposes greater penalties for refusing field sobriety tests such as the breathalyzer, you have a greater chance of winning a trial if you refuse. Continue reading →

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WHEN YOU ARE CHARGED WITH DRIVING ON A SUSPENDED LICENSE

Posted on January 31, 2011 by mdkeenan

Getting caught driving on a suspended license can be pretty dire, but the news is not completely hopeless. The state must still prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving and that your license was suspended due to an underlying alcohol offense. Continue reading →

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“BUT I HAVE A PRESCRIPTION!”: WHEN YOU ARE CHARGED WITH DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MEDICATION

Posted on January 31, 2011 by mdkeenan

If you are charged with driving under the influence of a prescription medication, the fact that you have a prescription is not itself a defense. However, the state may have a more difficult time proving that the prescription caused your unsafe driving. Continue reading →

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CAN THE POLICE SEARCH MY CAR? YOUR RIGHTS DURING A DUI STOP

Posted on January 11, 2011 by mdkeenan

You partied a little too hard, so you were driving extra slowly on your way home. Unfortunately, a police officer spotted you and pulled you over, citing improper lane usage. After taking your license, the officer asked you to step … Continue reading →

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