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- Richard Collins
Richard David Collins
- Mineola, NY
- Licensed for 34 years
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
- Criminal defense: 50%
Focusing on the defense of cases involving anabolic steroids, HGH, prohormones and unlawful peptide sales.
- Business: 20%
Catering to the regulatory needs of the dietary supplement and sports nutrition industries.
- White collar crime: 15%
Focusing on matters in the federal courts nationwide.
- 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
Contact
Collins Gann McCloskey and Barry PLLC
138 Mineola Blvd.
Mineola, NY, 11501
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| TX | Eligible To Practice In Texas | 2005 | 12/22/2019 |
| DC | Active | 2005 | 10/14/2017 |
| MA | Active | 2004 | 09/15/2019 |
| PA | Active | 2004 | 01/25/2020 |
| SC | Good Standing | 2001 | 02/08/2020 |
| NY | Currently registered | 1985 | 12/06/2019 |
| Legal answers | 0 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| AV Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2015 |
| Leadership in Law | Long Island Business News | 2013 |
| Outstanding Faculty Award | E. David Woycik, Jr., Intensive Trial Techniques Program (NITA) | 2012 |
| 50 Around Fifty Award | Long Island Business News | 2011 |
| In the Trenches Award | New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | 2003 |
| Honorable Edward J. Hart, Jr., Memorial Award | Fraternal Order of Court Officers, Nassau County | 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| President's Award | Nassau County Bar Association | 2001 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Partner | Collins Gann McCloskey and Barry PLLC | 1990 - Present |
| Assistant District Attorney | Nassau County District Attorney's Office | 1984 - 1989 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New York State Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section | Executive Committee | 2009 - Present |
| Federal Bar Council | Member | 2007 - Present |
| New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2001 - Present |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 1994 - Present |
| New York State Bar Association | Member | 1990 - Present |
| Criminal Courts Bar Association of Nassau County | Member | 1990 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau County Bar Association | President | 2019 - 2020 |
| Former Assistant District Attorneys of Nassau County | President | 2005 - 2006 |
| Criminal Courts Bar Association of Nassau County | President | 2001 - 2002 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Atticus, the Publication of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | The Rogue Informant: Lessons from a Frame | 2013 |
| ESSENTIALS OF SPORTS NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS | Regulatory Aspects of the Sports Nutrition Industry | 2008 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Hofstra University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1984 |
| Hofstra University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1981 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Young Lawyers Trial Academy | The Dirty Dozen Rules of Opening Statements in a Criminal Case | 2014 |
| Smart Decisions Conference, LI Youth Safety Coalition | Your Kids on Steroids | 2013 |
| Asia Fitness Convention, Bangkok, Thailand | Steroids, Performance and the Law | 2013 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| US v Michael Schlanger | Probation with home confinement, no electronic monitoring. |
Exceeded the hype!!
Posted by anonymous
Thu Dec 12 2019
Larry Williams
Posted by Larry Williams
Sun Aug 11 2019
Attorney endorsements
(23)Corri Fetman, Divorce and separation 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, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 5, 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, Personal injury 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, Family 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, Personal injury 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, DUI and DWI 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, Criminal defense 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 26, 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, Car accident 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 18, 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.
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, Personal injury Attorney on Jan 22, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Ronald Cook, Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney on Dec 3, 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, Family 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, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 22, 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".