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.

CAN YOU BE CHARGED WITH OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE FOR REFUSING TO GIVE A BLOOD SAMPLE?

Posted on August 21, 2023 by mdkeenan

A recent Illinois Supreme Court decision says no. In People v Hutt, the defendant refused to let medical personnel draw his blood and refused to provide a urine sample despite a warrant authorizing these samples. Defendant was later convicted of  DUI … Continue reading →

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CAN A PORTABLE BREATHALYZER RESULT BE USED AGAINST ME IN ILLINOIS?

Posted on August 4, 2023 by mdkeenan

Under limited circumstances, the answer is yes. Breathalyzer results on a properly certified machine are nearly always admissible at trial.  However, results from a portable breathalyzer are not considered reliable and are generally not permitted. The breathalyzer taken on the … Continue reading →

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THE LAW ON POLICE BODY CAM VIDEOS IN ILLINOIS

Posted on July 25, 2023 by mdkeenan

Illinois law requires police to use body cams at all times when the officer is in uniform, responding to calls or engaged in any law enforcement-related activity while on duty. If exigent circumstances prevent the officer from turning on the … Continue reading →

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IS MY DUI OR CRIMINAL COURT HEARING ON ZOOM?

Posted on July 2, 2023 by mdkeenan

Zoom Court was first initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Court business could thus continue, while keeping everybody safe.  But even post-pandemic, Zoom Court is here to stay.  As of January 1, 2023, the Illinois Supreme Court made remote … Continue reading →

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CAN BLOODSHOT EYES CONVICT YOU OF DUI IN ILLINOIS?

Posted on June 16, 2023 by mdkeenan

You were stopped for speeding after leaving a wedding early in the morning.  You had already had a very long day, and you did have a few drinks at the wedding.  Because of your red eyes and odor of alcohol, … Continue reading →

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CAN I BE FOUND GUILTY OF DUI IF NO VIDEO WAS MADE OF THE ARREST?

Posted on June 10, 2023 by mdkeenan

You were driving home from watching a game at the bar when your car ran out of gas.  An officer stopped to see if you needed help.  He smelled the alcohol,  and you ended up arrested for DUI after you … Continue reading →

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WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO ACT QUICKLY WHEN YOU GET A DUI

Posted on May 14, 2023 by mdkeenan

If you are arrested for DUI, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better the chances of keeping your driver’s license.  A recent Illinois case underscores why it is important to act quickly. When you are arrested for DUI, the … Continue reading →

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CAN I BE ARRESTED FOR A CANNABIS DUI WHEN MARIJUANA IS LEGAL IN ILLINOIS?

Posted on April 21, 2023 by mdkeenan

You ingested some cannabis gummies after a stressful workday. Later that evening, you were pulled over for a faulty taillight.  You felt you were driving safely, but you admitted to the officer that you had eaten the gummies and now … Continue reading →

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FAILURE TO REDUCE SPEED TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT

Posted on April 13, 2023 by mdkeenan

You were singing along with the radio while driving down a rather busy road when a car pulled into the road several yards ahead of you causing you to crash. Although the accident wasn’t your fault, you were still given … Continue reading →

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HOW DO YOU OVERTURN THE AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION OF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE IN ILLINOIS?

Posted on March 31, 2023 by mdkeenan

When you are arrested for DUI, the Illinois Secretary of State automatically suspends your driver’s license on the 46th day after your arrest.  The suspension is not effective unless you are notified in writing and informed that you may request … Continue reading →

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