Donald N. MacNeil

Donald N. MacNeil

5.0
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 27 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Frankfort, IL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Speeding & Traffic Ticket, Estate Planning

20527 South La Grange Road, Frankfort, IL

About Donald

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 45%

Licensed in Illinois and Indiana

45%
DUI and DWI 45%

Licensed in Illinois and Indiana

45%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 5%

Licensed in Illinois and Indiana

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Indiana for 26 years

State: Indiana

Acquired: 1999

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 27 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1998

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

The MacNeil Firm, Ltd.

20527 South La Grange Road, Frankfort, IL, 60423

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Donald N. MacNeil's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

25 Client Reviews

5 star (25)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | July 5, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great Attorney

Don MacNeil is a great defense attorney that will go the extra mile to make sure you will get a fair and honest trial . Mr MacNeil was always punctual and on the ball in the courtroom,he had explained the whole process not only once in our initial consultation but also as it was unraveling . My wh...ole experience working with Don was professionally successful , and his hard work solidified our victory . Highly Recommended !!

Posted by Mario | June 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Attorney

The MacNeil Law Firm is a wonderfully talented team to represent you in any case imaginable! With the help of Donald, and his team, he has kept me free of serious trouble in the last few years that range from a false arrest to minor traffic tickets. Always honest and clear about available options, Do...n is sure to be the best legal representation out there. Very reasonably priced and always willing to work with you under troubling times! Highly recommend Him and his team to anyone in need of legal counsel!!!

Posted by Tracy | March 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Awesome

Excellent job in handling my matter and fees are more than reasonable. Great attorney, great price, I highly recommend him.

Posted by anonymous | January 3, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Charges Dropped

I could not have selected a better attorney than Donald MacNeil to represent me in connection with my DUI charge. During my initial call with Donald, I knew that I would be getting excellent representation. He made me feel very comfortable, and explained in simple terms the law, the legal process and... the severity of my situation. Donald told me he could not promise the result, but he promised to defend me vigorously and to the fullest extent. My version of the arrest differed from the arresting officer's version. Donald took the time to learn all of the details of my case and the pertinent DUI laws. He recommended that we file a motion to suppress evidence. He did an outstanding job pointing out why I should not have been stopped. Without his commitment to making sure I received the best possible outcome, I would have been in a very difficult position. I do not recommend drinking and driving, but if you are facing a DUI charge and need the best representation I highly recommend Donald MacNeil.

Posted by anonymous | September 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great attorney

I hired attorney McNeil for two family members who had DUIs. His patience, expertise and perseverance proved that he treats every legal situation professionally and according to the problem at hand. He returns your calls promptly and discusses your case(s) thoroughly. Neither relative ended in jail ...time. I would recommend this attorney to family, friends and to anyone needing a defense or DUI attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Donald N. MacNeil's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
Layne Christie Marino headshot
Layne Marino

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I was lucky enough to work with Don on several matters. Don is very knowledgeable of the law. It is his passion for the law and defending anyone charged with a crime that still resonates with me. Don ensures that you understand the law, your options and presents you with the various outcomes. He is zealous and compassionate. If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime I recommend having them meet Don."

Michael Patrick McCready headshot
Michael McCready

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Don is my go to referral source when one of my clients contacts me regarding a DUI or criminal matter. Don is always well-prepared and a passionate advocate for his clients. You are in good hands with Don as your lawyer. I endorse this lawyer and highly recommend his services."

Richard William Stake Jr. headshot
Richard Stake

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I highly endorse Don MacNeil. I worked on dozens of cases with Don when I was a prosecutor and he was defending his clients on criminal charges. Don has a great knowledge of the law and also of the ins and outs of the court process. Don impressed me as a zealous advocate for his clients and worked hard and smart to get the best possible outcome for all of his clients."

Daniel Joseph Florey headshot
Daniel Florey

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I highly respect his legal ability and knowledge. I recommend him to both family and friends and clients whom I can not serve."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Nov 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Daniel Djuro Hinich headshot
Daniel Hinich

Criminal defense lawyer

Roger S. Hutchison headshot
Roger Hutchison

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Michael Patrick McCready headshot
Michael McCready

Personal injury lawyer

Dennis Francis Dwyer headshot
Dennis Dwyer

DUI and DWI lawyer

Layne Christie Marino headshot
Layne Marino

Franchising lawyer

Richard William Stake Jr. headshot
Richard Stake

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Daniel Joseph Florey headshot
Daniel Florey

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Best DUI Attorney--Top Rated, Best DUI Attorney Illinois

Work Experience

2010 - Present

President, The MacNeil Firm, Ltd.

1996 - 2009

Senior Associate, Wigell & Associates

Associations

2015 - Present

Economic Club of Chicago

Member

2010 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2000 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

1998 - Present

Will County Bar Association

Member

2007 - 2008

South Suburban Bar Association

President

Sample of Legal Cases

Loaded Gun in Car—No Felony

Not Guilty of Felony

Acquitted of Aggravated Battery to a Child

Not Guilty

4th Arrest for Telephone Harassment—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

Illegal Search and Seizure by Police—Drug Case Dismissed

Case Dismissed

Ex-Employee Acquitted of Bomb Threat

Not Guilty

Not Guilty of Murder

Not Guilty

Cocaine Found During Traffic Stop—Case Dismissed

Case Dismissed

Business Owner Acquitted of Theft

Not Guilty

Roadblock Declared Unconstitutional

Case Dismissed

Corrections Officer Not Guilty of Attack on Inmate

Not Guilty

Woman Not Guilty of 3rd Offense of Telephone Harassment

Case Dismissed

Delivery of Controlled Substance—Case Dismissed

Case Dismissed

Ex-Lover Charged With Stealing Car—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

Landlord Not Guilty of Solicitation of a Sexual Act

Not Guilty

Defendant “Creepy” But Not Guilty of Sexual Abuse

Not Guilty

Not Guilty of Murder—Point Blank Shot to Back of Head

Not Guilty of Murder

Felony Fraud Reduced to Misdemeanor and Conviction Avoided

Charges Reduced

21 Pitt Bulls—Not Guilty of Dog Fighting

Not Guilty of All Felony Charges

Not Guilty of Domestic Battery to Ex-Girlfriend

Not Guilty

Case Dismissed and 35 Seized Firearms Returned

Case Dismissed

Self Defense in Attempted Murder—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

Internet Solicitation of a Minor Reduced to Sex Case and Expunged

Charges Reduced

Cashier Charged in Credit Card Fraud Involving $5000—Case Dismissed

Case Dismissed

Not Guilty in Sexual Abuse on Step Daughter

Not Guilty

Class 2 Felony Reduced to Misdemeanor

Charges Reduced

Bar Fight Leads to Aggravated Battery Charges—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

Child Pornography Discovered by Computer Repairman—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

Marijuana Charges Dismissed for Improper Search and Seizure

Case Dismissed

Illegal Search in Drug Case—All Charges Dismissed

Case Dismissed

Stepdaughter Accuses Stepfather of Sexual Abuse—Charges Dropped

No Charges Filed

College Student Not Guilty of Criminal Sexual Assault

Not Guilty

Possession of Child Pornography Reduced to Misdemeanor

Charges Reduced

Not Guilty of Domestic Battery to Ex-Girlfriend and Minor Child

Not Guilty

Not Guilty of Battery After Fight at Taste of Chicago

Not Guilty

Jury Acquits 2nd DUI Offender with .187 Blood Alcohol Level

Not Guilty

2nd DUI With Roll-Over Accident—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

Driver with IL CDL Over the Limit and Arrested for DUI—All Charges Dismissed

Case Dismissed

Breath Test and Field Sobriety Tests Excluded From Trial—DUI Dismissed

Case Dismissed

DUI with .10 Breath Test—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

3 Car Accident, Defendant Unable to Stand—Not Guilty of DUI

Not Guilty

Driver Caught on Video—2nd DUI Dismissed

Case Dismissed

2nd DUI with Hit and Run Accident—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

Not Guilty of DUI with Creative Defense

Not Guilty

Police Videotape Bad Driving on New Year’s Eve—Not Guilty of DUI

Not Guilty

Defendant Gives Written Statement to Police “I’m Drunk”—Not Guilty of DUI

Not Guilty

Accident with 3 Parked Cars and Open Alcohol in Vehicle—Not Guilty of DUI

Not Guilty

No Headlights and Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

DUI Driver Failed Breath Test—Not Guilty of DUI

Not Guilty

DUI Defendant Appears Drunk on Squad Car Video—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

.210 Breathalyzer Suppressed—Not Guilty of DUI

Not Guilty

Blood Alcohol Level Almost 4 Time Legal Limit—Not Guilty of DUI

Not Guilty

2nd DUI Offense, .227 Breathtest and Revoked License—Case Dismissed

Case Dismissed

Defendant Stabbed Cousin in Chest over Tequila—Not Guilty of All Charges

Not Guilty

Not Guilty of Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapon

Not Guilty

Defendant Flees Police in a High Speed Chase—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

20mph Over the Speed Limit & Fail All Field Tests on Video—Not Guilty of DUI

Not Guilty

3 Cops Tell the Jury, “She’s Drunk”—Not Guilty of DUI

Not Guilty

Driver Urinated During Traffic Stop—Not Guilty of 2nd DUI

Not Guilty

4th DUI Caught on Video with .203 Breathalyzer—Reduced to Reckless Driving

Charges Reduced

Petition to Rescind Statutory Summary Suspension Granted

Petition to Rescind Granted

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Drugs—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

Reckless Driver Not Guilty of 2nd DUI

Not Guilty

2nd DUI with Open Alcohol Not Guilty

Not Guilty

DUI With .085 PBT & Video Reduced to Improper Parking

Charges Reduced

2nd DUI Driver Passed Out In Car—Not Guilty

Not Guilty

1st DUI—License Reinstated & All Charges Dismissed

Case Dismissed

Probation in Drunk Driving Death

Probation--No Jail Time

Breath Test Excluded From Trial—Not Guilty of 2nd DUI

Not Guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

John Marshall Law School, Chicago

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

Valparaiso University, Valparaiso

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2007

Strategies in Handling DWI and DUI Cases in Illinois

DUI Defense Strategies

Publications

2017

Book DUI Charges--Arrests, Trials & Defense Strategies

2017

Book Domestic Violence and Weapons

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution