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The MacNeil Firm | Firm Overview | Criminal Defense | Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Me

While there are many good defense lawyers who can handle all kinds of criminal cases including drunk driving and drug cases, the MacNeil firm is distinguished by our personal service. We make every effort to exceed our client’s expectations during this stressful time after an arrest.

The MacNeil Firm is a family of three lawyers, a father and two sons, who are dedicated to providing superior criminal defense and DUI defense in Illinois and Indiana.

With decades of experience among them, the family of lawyers at the MacNeil Firm Ltd has the knowledge and courtroom experience to serve you and your case. Our wide range of experience at both state and federal levels allows us to provide personalized, well-informed aggressive legal representation for all kinds of cases and charges. We’re the criminal lawyer defense team that you need on your side.

Each of our attorneys holds licenses to practice law in both Illinois and Indiana. This allows us to serve clients in both states, particularly in Cook, Will, Kankakee, Lake, Porter, and Grundy Counties. If you been arrested for DUI or other crime in Illinois, you need help fast. Early intervention may be critical to success in your case. Contact us today to talk to an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney and DUI defense lawyer.

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What sets the MacNeil Firm apart from many other criminal defense lawyers and DUI defense attorneys is our passion for the law, the Constitution, and our dedication to producing a winning result in your case. Said another way, we hate to lose. Nothing is more rewarding to us than securing a Courtroom Victory for our clients. Whether you are a first offender or have multiple arrests, our criminal defense attorneys and DUI defense lawyers take a personal interest in each case, and our commitment to you and your case is unmatched.

We make the following commitments to every client:

We will take time to learn about you and your case, as well as any mitigating circumstances leading up to the arrest.
Any questions you may have will be answered, and we will make sure you fully understand the evidence and procedures involved in your case.
Our lawyers will thoroughly explain all of your available options.
Once we have decided on a strategy, our lawyers will devote themselves fully to producing a successful result in your case.
As your case is pending, we will promptly return all phone calls and keep you advised throughout the duration of your situation.

Call 708-218-0947 now for a free consultation. You can also email us or fill out our contact form to request a consultation.

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We take pride in securing victories for our clients.

DUI – Not Guilty

Defendant charged with driving under the influence of alcohol by Park Forest police. Under interrogation by police, Defendant give a written statement admitting that he drank a bottle of Hennessy cognac, got into an accident, and fled the scene because he was intoxicated. Police further testify that Defendant could not stand and almost fell over when exiting the vehicle. Not guilty of DUI after bench trial.

2nd DUI – Dismissed

The Illinois State police followed my client on I294 for over 2 miles before conducting a traffic stop for improper lane usage. On the squad car video, the Defendant performed the standardized field sobriety tests. Police officer testifies that my client failed all field tests. Defendant also performed a preliminary breath test. Defendant charged by ISP with his second DUI offense. Defendant still on court supervision for 1st DUI. State dismisses all charges on morning of jury trial.

Disorderly Conduct – Acquittal

My client was employed at the same company for almost 30 years and was close to retirement when he was suddenly fired with no notice or reason for the termination. After a confrontation with management, police are called. The employer accuses of employee of threatening harm to management and the building, and my client is charged with Disorderly Conduct. Defendant pleads not guilty and case is set for trial. At trial, the court finds the evidence insufficient to convict. Motion for Directed Finding granted—Defendant not guilty.

Drug Case – Dismissed

Matteson police charge Defendant with possession of controlled substance and possession of cannabis. Under interrogation, Defendant admits that he has more marijuana at his apartment and consent to search of his residence. Illinois criminal attorney Donald N. MacNeil filed a motion to suppress evidence based on no probable cause to arrest. That motion was granted by the Cook County judge. Other drugs found at apartment also suppressed as “fruit of the poisonous tree.” Prosecutors forced to dismiss case.

DUI – Not Guilty

Defendant charged with driving under the influence of alcohol by University Park police. Defendant filmed performing field sobriety tests on squad car video. Police testify that Defendant failed all tests. Illinois DUI attorney Donald N. MacNeil successfully argued that Defendant performed poorly on field tests, not because she was intoxicated but because she was overweight. Not guilty of all charges.

DUI – Not Guilty

Driver charged in Cook County, Illinois with his first offense driving under the influence of alcohol by Sauk Village police. The police officers testify at trial that my client failed all standardized field sobriety tests and had a breath test reading of .10 BAC. Illinois DUI attorney Donald N. MacNeil cross examined the officer and he admitted that field sobriety test failures were technical failures rather than loss of balance because of alcohol consumption. Not guilty after bench trial.

CDL DUI – Dismissed

Driver with Illinois commercial driver’s license arrested for DUI by Chicago police. Defendant facing one year mandatory disqualification of his CDL. Donald N. MacNeil filed a petition to rescind statutory summary suspension. That petition was granted, avoiding a 3 month suspension. A motion to quash arrest and suppress evidence was filed because of illegal search and seizure and unlawful arrest. The judge granted motion and Cook County prosecutor was forced to dismiss the case. CDL driver suffers no loss of driver’s license or disqualification of CDL.

DUI – Not Guilty

Matteson police follow driver on New Year’s Eve speeding and weaving between lanes. The driving and arrest are recorded on the squad car video. Driver is stopped and arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and required to appear at the Markham court. At trial, officer testifies that Defendant failed all standardized field sobriety tests. Don MacNeil cross examined police officer, and argued to the judge that the Defendant did not appear impaired on the video, and that the video conflicted with police officer’s testimony. Finding of not guilty after bench trial.

2nd DUI – Not Guilty

Driver stopped by Oak Lawn Police Department and charged with his 2nd DUI. At trial at the Bridgeview court, Oak Lawn police lieutenant testified that Defendant could barely stand, recited his alphabet A, B, Z, indicated in jest that he was going to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, and staggered over to the bushes to urinate. Cook County, Illinois DUI attorney argued that the prosecutor did not prove case beyond a reasonable doubt. Not guilty of DUI after bench trial.

Deliver of Controlled Substance – Case Dismissed

My client was arrested by the Chicago Heights police for delivery of a controlled substance. The CHPD was working with the FBI and a confidential informant. It was alleged that my client sold cocaine to the confidential source. The Defendant was facing a mandatory 6-30 prison sentence upon conviction (Class X Felony). After review of pretrial discovery and police reports, our attorney filed a pretrial motion to exclude photo identification of Defendant by the CI. The motion was granted by the judge. Before trial, the confidential informant was unable to identify the Defendant. Prosecutors forced to dismiss case.

Harassment Charge – Not Guilty

Homewood police arrest my client for allegedly making harassing phone calls to an ex-lover. It is the third time she has been charged with telephone harassment, and is on probation for the 2nd offense when she is arrested. In her second case, she pleaded guilty while represented by another lawyer. Donald N. MacNeil determines that the Cook County prosecutor has a weak case: evidence against the client was an oral statement which my client supposedly made to police. A Motion to Suppress Statements based on a 5th Amendment violation of Miranda Warnings was granted. Case dismissed.

Battery Charge – Not Guilty

Defendant accused by ex-girlfriend of domestic violence against her and her 9 year old son claiming they cut the child’s foot. Defendant arrested by Riverdale police. Illinois criminal defense attorney Donald N. MacNeil successfully excluded Defendant’s prior criminal record. At trial in Cook County, Illinois, prosecution admitted photos of blood on stairs from child’s foot injury. Criminal defense lawyer argued that the “blood” was ketchup, and that the injury was from debris on the floor. The jury agreed and found Defendant not guilty.

Aggravated Battery – Not Guilty

Defendant, an officer for the Illinois Department of Corrections, is charged with felony aggravated battery after a bar fight. Victim hit in the face with a glass, required over 100 stitches to the face, and was permanently scarred from incident. Illinois criminal lawyer Donald N. MacNeil argues that it was self-defense (justifiable use of force). Independent witness testifies for prosecution and says Defendant was aggressor. Jury agrees with defense attorney and finds Defendant not guilty.

DUI – Suspension Rescinded

Illinois State Police arrested defendant and charged him with DUI. Facing a 12 month suspension for refusing to take a breath test, attorney Donald N. MacNeil filed a Petition to Rescind Statutory Summary Suspension. Prior to the hearing, the Will County State’s attorney refused to produce the police report and squad car video. Attorney MacNeil objected in open court. The judge ordered the prosecutor to produce the evidence. Following a hearing, the judge ruled that there were not reasonable grounds to place defendant under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Petition to Rescind granted, full driving privileges reinstated.