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Richard David Collins

also known as Rick Collins
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Avvo Rating10
  • Mineola, NY
  • Licensed for 35 years
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About Richard

Rick Collins is a Founding Partner at Collins Gann McCloskey & Barry PLLC and a well-known figure in the bodybuilding, health, fitness and nutrition communities. A former Nassau County Assistant District Attorney, he has been awarded the highest accolades for legal abilities and ethical standards (AV-rating) from the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell directory of lawyers, and is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.

An internationally recognized legal authority on the non-medical use/abuse of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances, Mr. Collins has been involved in the legal defense of countless criminal cases involving the possession or sale of these compounds. He has personally defended individuals in a variety of jurisdictions from New York to California and at the borders of Canada and Mexico. His high-profile cases have included professional bodybuilders and the chemist in the BALCO case, and he has handled athletic doping cases involving the NCAA and professional sports.  He has been consulted by amateur and professional bodybuilders, wrestlers, physicians, pharmacists, military servicemen, police departments, and various business entities and is frequently retained to assist and consult with other criminal lawyers on the subject.

In addition to his leadership role in the area of steroids and the law, Mr. Collins has built an active national law practice catering to clients in the bodybuilding, fitness and dietary supplement communities. He spearheads the firm’s bi-coastal dietary supplements division to provide legal counsel to the supplement industry, and serves as the official legal advisor to the International Federation of Bodybuilding and as General Counsel to the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 

Over the past few years Mr. Collins has become a legal trailblazer as the co-chairman of a proposal to conditionally seal certain low-level criminal records in New York. As a result of the efforts of his committee and many others, the State laws were changed in 2017 to allow judges the discretion to seal the criminal records of certain non-violent ex-offenders.   In addition, he was appointed to serve on a New York State Bar Association Special Committee created to address the issue of prisoner re-entry, to examine problems that formerly incarcerated individuals face upon release from prison or jail and the kind of services needed to help them lead productive lives. He also serves as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Criminal Justce Section Committee on Reentry and Collateral Consequences.

Mr. Collins, who has been recognized by Long Island Business News as one of Long Island’s “50 Around 50” and was selected as a recipient of the 2013 “Leadership in Law” award, has been interviewed as a legal authority in the film “Bigger, Stronger, Faster” (2008) and on national television talk and news shows, in talk radio interviews and by numerous online and print publications.  The author of two popular books, he has contributed chapters to two texts on sports nutrition and co-authored a textbook chapter on adolescent use of performance-enhancing drugs.  He frequently writes for various fitness and bodybuilding publications on issues where health and fitness overlap with law and policy, and has been a monthly columnist for the nationally circulated Muscular Development magazine and a member of their Advisory Board since 2001.  He is also a blogger for the Huffington Post Crime section where he writes on a number of issues surrounding criminal law.

Mr. Collins currently serves as President-Elect of the Nassau County Bar Association. An active member of the Nassau County Bar Association for more than 25 years who was honored with the NCBA’s 2001 President’s Award, he also is a member of the Advisory Board of the We Care Fund, part of the charitable arm of the Nassau County Bar Association which helps raise funds to improve the quality of life for children, the elderly and others in need throughout Nassau County.  In addition to his role at NCBA, Mr. Collins is active in a number of other professional organizations and philanthropic groups, including the United Mavericks.  He is a past president of the Criminal Courts Bar Association of Nassau County and the Former Assistant District Attorneys of Nassau County, as well as an officer or member of numerous other state and national professional organizations including the New York State Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the New York State Defenders Association. He is an annual faculty member for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and is on the Adjunct Faculty of Hofstra University Law School. 

Mr. Collins was elected to Phi Beta Kappa as an undergraduate at Hofstra University. After attending Hofstra law school on a full academic scholarship and serving on the Law Review, he was admitted to the New York Bar and served as an assistant district attorney for five years. Mr. Collins is a past Editor-in-Chief of the Nassau Lawyer, the journal of the Nassau County Bar. He has also worked as a stage and film actor, and is a member in good standing of the Screen Actors Guild.

Practice areas

Administrative lawWhite collar crimeBusinessCriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 50%

    Focusing on the defense of cases involving anabolic steroids, HGH, prohormones and unlawful peptide sales.

  2. Business: 20%

    Catering to the regulatory needs of the dietary supplement and sports nutrition industries.

  3. White collar crime: 15%

    Focusing on matters in the federal courts nationwide.

  4. Administrative law: 15%

    Representing athletes against doping allegations and others (law enforcement, firefighters, probationers) against failed drug tests for PEDs..

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

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Contact

138 Mineola Blvd.
address map

Collins Gann McCloskey and Barry PLLC

138 Mineola Blvd.
Mineola, NY, 11501

SteroidLaw.com

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
TXEligible To Practice In Texas 200512/05/2020
DCActive 200510/14/2017
MAActive200412/02/2020
PAActive200401/02/2021
SCGood Standing200112/29/2020
NYCurrently registered 198512/09/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
AV Peer Review RatingMartindale-Hubbell2015
Leadership in LawLong Island Business News2013
Outstanding Faculty AwardE. David Woycik, Jr., Intensive Trial Techniques Program (NITA)2012
50 Around Fifty AwardLong Island Business News2011
In the Trenches AwardNew York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers2003
Honorable Edward J. Hart, Jr., Memorial AwardFraternal Order of Court Officers, Nassau County2002
President's AwardNassau County Bar Association2001
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Founding PartnerCollins Gann McCloskey and Barry PLLC1990 - Present
Assistant District AttorneyNassau County District Attorney's Office1984 - 1989
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
New York State Bar Association, Criminal Justice SectionExecutive Committee2009 - Present
Federal Bar CouncilMember2007 - Present
New York State Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2001 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember1994 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember1990 - Present
Criminal Courts Bar Association of Nassau CountyMember1990 - Present
Nassau County Bar AssociationPresident2019 - 2020
Former Assistant District Attorneys of Nassau CountyPresident2005 - 2006
Criminal Courts Bar Association of Nassau CountyPresident2001 - 2002
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Atticus, the Publication of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense LawyersThe Rogue Informant: Lessons from a Frame2013
ESSENTIALS OF SPORTS NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTSRegulatory Aspects of the Sports Nutrition Industry2008
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Hofstra University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1984
Hofstra UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1981
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Young Lawyers Trial AcademyThe Dirty Dozen Rules of Opening Statements in a Criminal Case2014
Smart Decisions Conference, LI Youth Safety CoalitionYour Kids on Steroids2013
Asia Fitness Convention, Bangkok, ThailandSteroids, Performance and the Law2013
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
US v Michael SchlangerProbation with home confinement, no electronic monitoring.

Reviews

(26)
5 Star
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Review Richard Collins

A law firm that truly cares about the well being of their clients

Posted by

Several years ago New York State passed a law that after a certain amount of time certain felonies can be sealed from your record. Mr Collins actually pushed for this much needed law. Before this law was passed a person with a non violent felony from 40 years ago had a hard time getting even a menial job. This law is a life saver but only if you hire an attorney who understands the law and how to proceed with the forms and paperwork. When I hired the firm I was assigned a great lawyer named Mr Nash to help me on my case. Mr Nash sat with me for 30 minutes and carefully listened to my story. I felt like I was talking to a friend. After our consultation Mr Nash gave me specific things I should do to help my case. This would include writing a statement of what the initial offense was and how I lived a good law abiding life since. Also make a list of achievements I had in my industry as well as get letters of recommendations from people in my life. Bear in mind just because this law was passed does not mean the District Attorney and the judge will sign off on it. The lawyer and client must make a compelling case showing the court why the offender should be given a 2nd opportunity. Well here is where the rubber meets the road. The Collins law firm and Mr Nash took this as seriously as if I were their personal relative. Mr Nash crossed every T and dotted every I. They were all in to get my record sealed so I could enjoy a better life. Mr Nash gave me great communication throughout the process. It takes a few months but if successful the benefits last literally a lifetime. We were successful and my record was sealed. A few months later I received the best job offer of my life and passes the backround check. WOW, it was an unbelievable feeling not to panic when the employer said there was a backround check involved. The fee for this service was much less then one would think. I am saying very clearly that this is much more then a law firm. I mean that - they are motivated by more then money - they truly fight for their client and I could hear in Mr Nash's voice how happy he said when he told me that my record was sealed. Listen carefully!! If you have a criminal conviction that is more then 10 years old, depending on the offense, there is a real, honest and true possibility that the Collins Law firm can have it sealed. It is worth a 10 minute phone call for something that can change your life. These are great people and even though it has been several years since my success I still call Mr Nash like he was a friend and chat about how well my life is going. He welcomes the call because these people are people first and lawyers 2nd!!!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Richard Collins' response: Thank you for your kind words! We are gratified that we can make such a huge difference in the lives of our sealing clients!

Fantastic

Posted by

Mr Collins resolved my matter within 24 hours. I was worried and had no idea what to too and Mr Collins gave me quick piece of mind and explained all my options. His professionalism and expertise is second to none. Worth every dime would recommend to anyone with a problem in his speciality.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Richard Collins' response: Thank you for your kind words. I enjoy being able to give peace of mind to people with legal concerns. Best for the New Year and always!

Excellent Service

Posted by

I hired Rick being faced with federal indictment that give me 7 to 10 years. Rick fought for me vigorously but also kept me grounded to reality. This allowed me time to prepare for what was to be a likely outcome. Being delt one of the hardest judges in the district the future looked pretty grim. However Rick had several ways to show just cause to my case being overstated punishment even after the plee agreement. With his help I will likely only be incarcerated for 1 year. His work was worth every penny and I feel that no one in the country could have represented me better then he did. If your looking for someone that works hard for you and is not lazy about his job this is your guy. Probably one of the most intelligent and hard working attorneys i have ever had to work with.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Richard Collins' response: I try to go above and beyond expectations in each and every case I handle. As lawyers, we can never guarantee results but we can make a commitment to work our hardest to get the best results we can. I appreciate the opportunity to serve you, and I wish you the very best in the year ahead.

Couldn’t be Happier

Posted by

Rick is the top lawyer in the nation for anything involving anabolic steroid laws. You won’t get anyone with more knowledge or expertise. Some stuff happened and I was going crazy unsure of what the outcome was going to be. I called Rick and he took care of it. Rick gave me my life back. I was constantly worried, couldn’t sleep, stressed, etc. AND Rick knew how stressed I was, we did our consultation the night I contacted him and the very next day he handled the problem. You can’t get better service than that. Thanks Rick for everything!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Richard Collins' response: It was my pleasure! I'm blessed to have the knowledge and skills to be able to help people when they need it the most, and are at their most worried!

The Best in The Business

Posted by

When I needed help Rick took a very stressful complicated situation and turned it into a very manageable process. He took the fear out of the situation with facts and his supreme knowledge of the industry. I could not of asked for a better result in the end. Thank you!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Richard Collins' response: It was my pleasure! When you love what you do, it's not work. Best wishes always!

Exceeded the hype!!

Posted by

Rick did an amazing job guiding me through one of the most difficult experiences of my life. He was methodical in going over every little detail of my case. Not only that, but Rick's knowledge of steroid law is exceptional. One Thing that really helped my case was the fact that Rick practices his craft all over the US. This invaluable knowledge allowed him to present to the Iowa District Court a more logical way of doing things. This in turn saved me from what local council told me was a mandatory 3-4 month prison term to absolutely zero prison time! He literally convinced the Iowa District Court to change their procedures to a way they have never done before. Thank you Google search "best steroid lawyer" for hooking me up with Rick Collins and the best possible outcome I could have asked for!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Richard Collins' response: It was my pleasure to represent you. Best to you and yours this Season!

Larry Williams

Posted by

Rick helped me where I was falsely accused of domestic violence. I can’t thank him enough for protecting me from false statements.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Richard Collins' response: You're welcome! I'm happy to help anyone in need of my legal help!

Excellent Legal council

Posted by

I was arrested in 2004 for Anabolic Steroid distribution. I hired Rick to represent me. I was a young kid fresh out of college and scared out of my mind to say the least. Rick was not only there as my legal council but went above and beyond to assure my family that things would work out. He was always available to answer My family or my questions throughout the process and did not run up the bill like Most attorneys especially of his caliber would do. Rick also was able to educate the Judge on what he was really dealing with when it came to Steroids and the law. I feel like this gave me a more favorable result than I otherwise would have gotten. If you are ever arrested for a crime involving Steroids this needs to be your 1st call.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Richard Collins' response: Thanks! It's so nice to hear from you all these 15 years later! Back then, many lawyers and judges in the criminal justice system didn't know too much about steroids, and there's still a lot of misinformation out there even today. Glad my help made a difference for you and your family.

Rick Collins is honorable and forthright

Posted by

Attorney Rick Collins is a respectable , honorable and charitable Attorney . I have consulted with Mr. Collins on several matters and he always treats the situation with integrity and respect . He is timely and effective. My individual experiences have been nothing but positive and addressed with the utmost professionalism and knowledge . I would highly recommend him in the areas of expertise.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Richard Collins' response: Thank you so much. I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated, regardless of the type of legal issue they are having.

It doesn't get any better than Rick Collins

Posted by

After two years of having a criminal case hanging over my head, yesterday it was over. Rick Collins and Phil Nash were an amazing team that put in a lot of time on my case and it paid off. I won't discuss it but it was jaw dropping.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Richard Collins' response: Well, I can't always promise a "jaw-dropping" result but I can promise that I will always give 100% in my efforts on behalf of each and every client.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(23)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Corri Fetman, White collar crime Attorney on May 2, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

If you are looking for a brilliant legal mind, skilled litigator and most strategic attorney you will ever find, look no further. When you are faced with legal troubles, you want Rick on your side as there is no one more diligent, creative, caring, confident and talented. I would give him 20 stars if allowed.

Valerie Mitchell, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 10, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Ronald Zimmer, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 4, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Rick is one of the most highly skilled lawyers I've come across. I have no hesitation sending Rick my criminal clients. I know there's no case too big or challenging or complicated that Rick can't handle and figure out. I endorse this lawyer.

Steven Seiden, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 4, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

From the moment I first met Rick in law school in 1981, I thought he should be an actor. Whenever Rick tells a story, or argues a point, he does so with such passion and intensity that he could convince even the most stubborn juror that the blue sky was red. Fortunately for Arnold S. (since there might have been a different Terminator had Rick gone to Hollywood) and those who have needed, and will need, a dedicated, highly skilled criminal attorney, Rick decided to pursue a career in law and perform his theatrics in the courtroom instead of on Broadway. Rick has a superior knowledge of the law (particularly in the area of anabolic steroids and other sports related performance enhancing substances) and he is well respected both nationally and at the local level in New York. Without hesitation and with the utmost confidence, all of my criminal referrals go to Collins Gann McCloskey & Barry (formerly Collins McDonald & Gann).

Alberto Batista, Business Attorney on Nov 25, 2015
Relationship: Friend

Rick Collins is a well known and well respected attorney who is a national resource on legal issues regarding health supplements and steroids. Over the past several years, I have learned a lot from Rick, and I highly recommend him as an attorney, expert witness, trial litigator, and honest, diligent advocate for his clients.

David Barry, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

When it comes to legal counsel and advocacy in the nutritional supplement and performance-enhancing drug arena, Rick Collins is literally second to none. Rick's reputation in the legal industry speaks for itself, as do the results he consistently delivers for his clients in courthouses throughout the country. I highly endorse Rick and his firm.

Joseph Horn, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 8, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Rick is the expert in steroid cases and doping cases. He is an experienced and aggressive trial lawyer who is fully familiar with how to achieve top results for his clients. He does all types of criminal defense cases well.

Robert Parris, Federal crime Attorney on Apr 7, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

If you have a federal matter involving steroids or the FDA, there is NO defense attorney in the country that can match the experience, knowledge, and expertise of Rick Collins. He is the best of the best.

Marc Gann, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 6, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer. Rick and I have been law partners for 25 years after working together as prosecutors. He may be the finest and most competent lawyer I know. He leaves no stone unturned and constantly thinks outside the box in representing his varied clients!

Kurt Emhoff, Entertainment Attorney on Mar 9, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I worked with Rick on a case involving a boxer who had tested positive for a banned substance after a fight in Germany. Through Rick's help and guidance we were able to get the B-sample tested in the US and prevent the boxer from losing his top ranking. Rick is one of the very best attorneys on the subjects of drug testing, dietary supplement and doping cases. I highly recommend him.

Gerard McCloskey, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 25, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Rick is the nations most experienced and talented steroid defense attorney by far. Rick has represented clients accused of steroid related charges all over the nation and his results speak for themselves. Rick is honest, hardworking, and a skilled litigator. I highly recommend Rick.

Tama Kudman, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 18, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Rick Collins is an outstanding and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who passionately defends his clients. I have had the pleasure of co-counseling several matters with Rick. He has always proved to be an invaluable resource who provides invaluable experience and tremendous knowledge, particularly in the healthcare fraud / drug trafficking arena. I unreservedly recommend him to individuals and/or companies seeking representation, and to attorneys seeking co-counsel on any criminal defense matters.

Shane Warner, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 18, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Rick is as good as it gets. Period. I had the extreme pleasure of working along side Rick on a steroid litigation case in Arizona. Rick's preparation, dedication and legal execution skills are impressive. I hold him the highest regard.

C. Owen, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 17, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Rick's knowledge in steroid and peptide cases has been second to none. He was a tremendous asset to our case.

Judd Nemiro

Great attorney who works hard to get the best results for clients. I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Bassett, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Great person and very personable. Nationally recognized expert in the area of steroid laws and a great criminal defense attorney.

Thomas Foley, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 22, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Ronald Cook, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have sent to Richard’s law firm several people that were in need of criminal defense assistance.

Florian Bruno, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Rick Collins is a nationwide known authority on criminal law. He is an extremely nice person and easy to work with.Rick will do anything to help out a fellow attorney with less experience than he has.

David Galison, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 21, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Richard Collins is nationally recognized as an expert on steroids and wrongful prosecutions based upon allegations of steroids. Needless to say "Not Guilty".