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.

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR FIRST DUI APPEARANCE ON ZOOM COURT IN ILLINOIS

Posted on October 8, 2021 by mdkeenan

The COVID-19 pandemic has, at least for the time being, changed court procedures in the Skokie and Rolling Meadows courthouses, the Daley Center and elsewhere.  Depending on your jurisdiction, most of your court appearances will take place on zoom.  This … Continue reading →

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WHAT IS AGGRAVATED DUI UNDER ILLINOIS LAW?

Posted on October 1, 2021 by mdkeenan

In Illinois, DUI is defined as driving or having actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or another drug.  DUI can be upgraded to an aggravated offense, which increases the penalties, for the following reasons: … Continue reading →

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ASSAULTING A POLICE OFFICER WHILE INTOXICATED IN ILLINOIS

Posted on September 17, 2021 by mdkeenan

The officer stopped you for DUI near your home.  You tried to reason with him to let you go.  When he didn’t, you drunkenly tried to hit him.  You missed. But now you are charged with aggravated assault on top … Continue reading →

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ACTING QUICKLY IS IMPORTANT IN OVERTURNING THE DUI SUMMARY SUSPENSION OF YOUR ILLINOIS DRIVER’S LICENSE

Posted on September 3, 2021 by mdkeenan

In Illinois, the Secretary of State automatically suspends your driver’s license on the 46th day after your arrest for DUI.  To have any chance of beating that suspension, you must act quickly, because there are certain deadlines. Illinois law allows … Continue reading →

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HOW YOUR BAR FIGHT CAN BECOME A FELONY IN ILLINOIS

Posted on August 27, 2021 by mdkeenan

You were out with friends at a bar.  Some guy overheard something you said that he didn’t like. He came over and insulted you. You were not about to let that stand, so you punched him.  You knew you lost … Continue reading →

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HOW TO CLEAR UP YOUR OLD ILLINOIS ARREST WARRANT WHEN YOU LIVE OUT OF STATE

Posted on August 20, 2021 by mdkeenan

Years ago, you were arrested in Illinois.  You ignored your court date, although you believe there is an outstanding warrant against you.  This did not trouble you for some years, because you live out of state and did not intend … Continue reading →

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CAN I BE ARRESTED IF DRUGS ARE FOUND IN A CAR AND I AM A PASSENGER?

Posted on August 14, 2021 by mdkeenan

You were riding around late one night with a friend who was driving.  An officer pulled you the car over.  Smelling alcohol on your friend, the officer had you both leave the car before spotting narcotics under the driver seat. … Continue reading →

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CAN I BE CONVICTED FOR DUI BASED ON MY FLASK?

Posted on July 31, 2021 by mdkeenan

You were stopped for failing to signal a turn.  When you opened the window, the officer spotted a flask on your passenger seat, smelled alcohol and asked you to take field sobriety tests, which you refused.  Can you be convicted … Continue reading →

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CAN I GET A PERMIT TO DRIVE IF I HAVE A DUI IN ILLINOIS?

Posted on July 16, 2021 by mdkeenan

The answer is generally yes, if it is your first DUI or a second DUI that occurs more than five years after the first. In the past, a driver could petition the court for a special driving permit that allowed … Continue reading →

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CAN POLICE ARREST ME WITHOUT A WARRANT FOR EVIDENCE FOUND IN MY CAR?

Posted on July 9, 2021 by mdkeenan

On your way home from a friend’s, an officer stopped you for speeding.  While issuing your ticket, the officer noticed a baggie of pills on the passenger side floor.  Because of the pills, you were ordered out of the car … Continue reading →

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