Matthew David Keenan Criminal Law Blog

Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to make or take a controlled substance is a Class A Misdemeanor in Illinois.... Read More

Illinois has one of the strictest eavesdropping laws in the country.  If you record a police officer, judge, prosecutor or attorney general without permission, you could be charged with a felony.... Read More

One Illinois police department is already using automated camera readers that detect whether the license plate of your car is associated with an arrest warrant.  Once the reader finds a match, nearby officers move in for the arrest.  If you are arrested, tell police "I wish to remain silent and I wish to have an attorney" to trigger Miranda rights.  You should contact an experienced criminal law attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.... Read More

In Illinois, if you threaten to harm a police officer, you can be charged with aggravated assault.  Actually causing physical harm to the officer is known as aggravated battery.  Fire a gun, and you could be looking at a minimum 20-year prison term.  Judges and prosecutors treat these offenses against police very seriously.  But there may still be hope.  An experienced criminal law attorney can help you come up with a strategy for your defense.... Read More

In Illinois, fleeing and eluding a police officer can be a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail.  If the offense is aggravated, such as by speeding or injuring someone, you can be charged with a Class 4 Felony, punishable by one to three years.  The State must still prove the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.... Read More

In Illinois, whether you will be sentenced to jail time depends on the facts of your particular case.  Most misdemeanors provide possible jail sentences, but in practice, few offenders serve time on a first offense.  While the chances of jail increase substantially for felonies and second time misdemeanors, an experienced criminal attorney may help work out a plea agreement with an alternative to jail time.  An attorney can also help determine if you have a winnable trial case wit... Read More

Pressure on police departments to make DUI arrests can sometimes lead to an arrest even when a driver is well under the legal limit.  If you feel you have been arrested without cause, contact an experienced attorney right away.... Read More

When you are released on bond in Illinois, the court imposes certain conditions.  For example, you may not leave the state without court permission, and you must make all court appearances.  If you break a condition of bond, the court can hold you in jail until your case is over.  If you violate your bond, contact an experienced criminal law attorney to assist you.... Read More

Reckless driving in Illinois can be a kind of catch-all for traffic offenses.  In Illinois, reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor, defined as driving a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for persons or property.  A secondary definition is using an incline such as a hill to cause a car to become airborne.... Read More

In Illinois, the police may make a warrantless search if exigent circumstances exist.  These include: the crime was recently committed, the offense was severe, the suspect is armed, the suspect may escape, the suspect is on the premises, the police are in hot pursuit of a fleeing suspect or there is fear that evidence will be destroyed.  Police may not create the exigent circumstances in order to avoid getting a warrant. ... Read More