ABOUT ME
Matt Keenan
Se habla español.
A criminal and school law attorney with over 24 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, Illinois State Bar Association.
We wrote the chapters on DEFENSES and ARRESTS AND INVESTIGATORY STOPS.
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Illinois Jurisprudence: Criminal Law and Procedure. Vol. 1. (LexisNexis 2014).We wrote the chapters on SEARCH and SEIZURE, MOTIONS AND DISCOVERY, and EVIDENTIARY MATTERS GENERALLY.
Illinois Jurisprudence: Criminal Law and Procedure. Vol. 1. (LexisNexis 2014).
Category Archives: traffic offenses
IS SPEEDING A MISDEMEANOR IN ILLINOIS?
The answer is yes, depending on how fast you were going. Speeding between 26 and 35 miles over the limit is a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail. Speeding 35 miles over the limit and … Continue reading
Posted in moving violations, speeding, traffic offenses
Tagged speeding
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CAN YOU BE STOPPED FOR FAILING TO WEAR A SEAT BELT?
The answer is yes. Police can stop your car when they have probable cause to believe that a traffic violation has occurred. Failure to wear a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt can be enough. During any stop, the driver … Continue reading
Posted in traffic offenses
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HOW CAN A LAWYER HELP MY CHILD WITH A TRAFFIC TICKET?
Your child only recently started driving. Although generally responsible, he or she got a rather high speeding ticket with the possibility of a criminal record as a result. Should you get an attorney? What can an attorney do? Be aware … Continue reading
Posted in moving violations, traffic offenses
Tagged traffic ticket
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OVERTURNING YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSION BASED ON THE UNDERLYING TRAFFIC STOP
Once you are arrested for DUI, the Secretary of State usually suspends your driver’s license for at least six months beginning on the 46th day after your arrest. Your attorney may file a petition to rescind or overturn that suspension. … Continue reading
Posted in suspensions, traffic offenses
Tagged suspension, traffic violation
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WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR USING A CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING IN ILLINOIS?
Illinois again raised its penalties against drivers distracted by cell phones. The minimum fine as of July 1, 2020 is $1,000 for aggravated use of an electronic communication device when causing an accident resulting in great bodily injury, permanent disability, … Continue reading
Posted in moving violations, traffic offenses
Tagged cell phone, distracted driving
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HIGH SPEED CRASHES MEAN BIG TROUBLE
The roads were clear so you zoomed ahead. But your high speed made it difficult to brake when the car in front of you stopped suddenly, and so you crashed. The police came to the scene, and you are now … Continue reading
Posted in moving violations, speeding, traffic offenses
Tagged leaving the scene, reckless homicide, special speed limit, speeding
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CAN THE NATURE OF THE ROAD BE A DEFENSE TO AN ILLINOIS TRAFFIC TICKET OR DUI?
In reviewing a traffic ticket or DUI, the court generally reviews all the facts of your case. In some situations, the type of road you were driving on may become important. For example, does an officer have probable cause to … Continue reading
Posted in DUI evidence, traffic offenses
Tagged improper lane change, nature of road, school bus, type of road
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SCOTT’S LAW RAISES PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO YIELD TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES
If you hear a siren or see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle, it should go without saying that you have to clear the way. Illinois requires that you move to the right side curb until the vehicle passes. … Continue reading
Posted in moving violations, traffic offenses
Tagged emergency vehicle, failure to yield, Scott's Law
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ILLINOIS TIGHTENS LAW ON HAND HELD DEVICES WHILE DRIVING
Updated July 24, 2019 As of July 1, 2019, a first offense for texting or using a cell phone while driving is now a moving violation. Before the change in law, you would not receive a moving violation until the … Continue reading
Posted in moving violations, traffic offenses
Tagged cell phone, electronic communication devices, texting
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PASSING A SCHOOL BUS IN ILLINOIS
UPDATED August 7, 2019: As of January 1, 2020, the fines for illegally passing a school bus are going up. The fine will be $300 (instead of $150) for a first offense and $1000 (instead of $500) for later offenses. … Continue reading
Posted in moving violations, traffic offenses
Tagged overtaking a school bus, passing a school bus, school bus
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