Neil S. Rockind

PRO

Neil S. Rockind

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 32 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Bloomfield Hills, MI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

36400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 210, Bloomfield Hills, MI

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2011
See Details

Free Consultation

About Neil

Biography

Named "Top Lawyer", "Super Lawyer" and "Best of Detroit" in 3 separate magazines/polls.

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2019 2016 2015
...
+ 1

Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 32 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1993

Active in Good Standing

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2011

Licensed in New York for 20 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2006

Resigned

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2011

Location

Rockind Law

36400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 210, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48304

rockindlaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Neil online.

Neil S. Rockind's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

59 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 7 of 7 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | September 01, 2015 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best Criminal Defense Attorney by far!

I cannot even begin to explain how amazing and exceptional Neil Rockind was in my trial case. I was charged with a 3rd DUI offense in Birmingham Michigan which is considered a felony and mandatory at least 30 days in jail. When I was pulled over I denied my pbt test but performed all of my sobriety ...tests as directed. The officer arrested me after I refused the pbt test and claimed that he smelled intoxicants coming from my vehicle. At the station I consented to getting my blood drawn and the result came back 7 months later as a .09. We took my case from the 48th district court (where we had pretrial with Judge Smalls) to the oakland county curcuit court for trial and Neil fought it to the very end. Neil always made sure that I was thoroughly understanding everything that was going on every step of the way. I completely thought my life was over and I was facing a felony and at the minimum 30 days in jail.. Neil and his team spent a great amount of time going over my case finding every reason to win and get me out of it. The trial was the scariest most traumatizing experience I have ever have been thru in my life not really knowing what the outcome was going to be. I left the Oakland County Circuit Court and was found not guilty all because of Neil and his dedication to getting my life back. Neil truly cares about his clients and will get you the justice you deserve. I can honestly say that he is the best criminal defense attorney that I have ever witnessed in the courtroom. He strategically cross examines the witnesses against you in a way that I think they even start to believe that they're wrong for even being against you. Neil is amazing and I owe him my life.

Posted by Deborah Williamson | May 12, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Others Said Plead, Neil Just Won - Not Guilty!

We retained Neil Rockind at a traumatic time in our lives to represent my husband when he was wrongly arrested and charged with a serious criminal assault offense. Although being a successful businessman for many years and well known in our strong support of our local community, we quickly and sadly ...came to realize that in the eyes of police acquaintances, political leaders, and other so-called legal experts in that field that when you are charged with a criminal act they automatically presume your guilt instead of innocence. To make matters even worse, we were served with a civil suit by the plaintiff immediately afterward. We then learned that our insurance company would not be obligated to provide any legal defense or awards for damages which potentially could have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages and legal fees. The two lawyers we had originally consulted with advised him to plead "no contest" and because of the insurance companies refusal under the "reservation of rights" clause, that wasn't a viable option for us when we knew that if his side of the story was heard he could be exonerated. Neil Rockind was the only attorney that we consulted with that after hearing his story and seeing the charges and reading the plaintiffs remarks to the police gave us any hope. Right after reading the above, he stood up and said "we are going to win this case, I just found your defense"! After waiting 20 months because of the local prosecutor, police department and plaintiff pressing the Wayne County prosecutors office and working together to increase the charges against him to more serious criminal charges we finally had our day in court. In Neil's opening remarks he set the tone for the trial. He quickly and completely dismantled the mistrusts and falsehoods presented by the Wayne County prosecutor's case. Neil's skilled preparation and presentation helped the jury see through the lies of the plaintiff and the maneuverings of the prosecutor. The savvy professionalism of Neil Rockind was a stark contrast to the unprofessional and undignified court proceedings of the two day trial. At the end of the day, when the jury foreman read the verdict of "Not Guilty on all charges" we were so thankful that we had chosen Neil Rockind's law firm to represent us when so much was on the line. His original promise to us that we would win came true because HE DID WIN! Our sincere thanks and regards to you and your staff, Alex and Deborah

See All Client Reviews

Neil S. Rockind's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Neil
Randy Babi headshot
Randy Babi

Criminal defense lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"One of the best in the State. Great guy and a phenomenal Attorney."

William M. Barnwell headshot
William Barnwell

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Rockind does exceptional work for his clients. He is highly regarded in the legal community and consistently and continually delivers outstanding results for his clients."

David Drwencke headshot
David Drwencke

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Neil is an absolute rockstar and has earned his reputation in the community. Neil is quick on his feet, tenacious and does not back down from anyone. There is a reason why his nickname is "Rockweiler." I enthusiastically endorse Neil and know that he can handle even the most difficult cases."

Joshua Marlin Covert headshot
Joshua Covert

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Neil is an amazing attorney who works hard to get great results for his clients."

Andrew John Hubbs headshot
Andrew Hubbs

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Neil is a superb lawyer and represents an ideal that all attorneys should strive to emulate. I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph A. Lavigne headshot
Joseph Lavigne

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Neil Rockind is simply one of the best attorneys in the field. He is bright, well prepared, respected and does an outstanding job for his clients. He is the kind of attorney you want by your side when the chips are down."

Cassi Rae Baumgardner headshot
Cassi Baumgardner

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I have had the invaluable opportunity to work for and with Mr. Rockind. He is by far, the best criminal defense attorney I have ever seen both in and outside of the courtroom. His level of compassion for his clients and dedication to his work is unparalleled. The outcomes he is able to secure for his clients are a product of experience, preparation, and excellent trial skills. I would highly recommend him to any person seeking representation."

Michael J. Nichols headshot
Michael Nichols

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Someone said "Rockind rocks." It's true. I've had the pleasure of knowing Neil for several years. He works hard, he studies the law and the facts and he works like hell for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Stuart G. Friedman headshot
Stuart Friedman

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am an appellate attorney. Normally, I am representing the losing defendant trying to overturn an unjust conviction. Quite often it is because the attorney made a mistake or neglected something. I've done six appeals from Neil Rockind cases. In five of the six cases I am fighting prosecution appeals because Neil won and the prosecutor was a sore loser. In the remaining case he lost (as did every other attorney I know who was running the issue), but today the Court of Appeals ruled that argument that trial judges were buying was legally incorrect. I fully anticipate overturning his one loss by the end of the year."

David B. Rosenberg headshot
David Rosenberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. In 1993, I predicted that this feisty new attorney would make his mark in the legal community. My.prediction has come true. Not only has Neil mastered courtroom defense, he has become a well-rounded family man, whose work ethic and family values are beyond question."

Channelle Kizy-White headshot
Channelle Kizy-White

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the unique opportunity to work for this lawyer as an associate at his firm and later work with him in representing co-defendants. One thing that has always been consistent is that he is undoubtedly one of the best criminal defense attorneys I have ever seen. He sets himself apart from the rest by fighting every single case that walks through the door. Neil's courtroom style makes him unforgettable. Combine that with his intelligence and experience, and he is untouchable in the courtroom. He has taken cases that I have thought there would be no way of winning and the cases were dismissed before even getting to trial. His tireless preparation and hard work pays off for each and every client. He's dedicated to the fight and doesn't give up, qualities that every defendant should want in their attorney."

Colin Andrew Daniels headshot
Colin Daniels

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"Neil Rockind is the hardest-working and finest criminal defense lawyer in Michigan. His trial skills are second-to-none and there is no other attorney who fights as hard as he does for his clients. His passion, combined with his experience and suave in the courtroom, make Neil the premier criminal defense attorney in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties and throughout Michigan."

Randall M. Lewis headshot
Randall Lewis

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a first rate litigator and advocate. I strongly recommend this lawyer."

Loren M. Dickstein headshot
Loren Dickstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Neil Rockind and I are working together on a complex conspiracy case. He is very intelligent, thoughtful and a zealous lawyer. His preparation for court is excellent and he truly seems to care about his client's best interests. I endorse this lawyer."

James W. Burdick headshot
James Burdick

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. We triedn a horribly complex case together -- five defendants, six lawyers, two juries -- and he was brilliant. He was the only lawyer of all of us to achieve total victory: acquittal on both counts. Most others were convicted of all counts, my client of one only of those charged, but Neil Rockind's client walked out of court a free man despite evidence and two prosecutors' one sometimes using questionable tactics. In 42 years as a prosecutor and defense lawyer, I have never seen a lawyer work so hard and spend so much time preparing for trial, and while in trial, as Neil Rockind."

View All Endorsements
Cassi Rae Baumgardner headshot
Cassi Baumgardner

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael J. Nichols headshot
Michael Nichols

DUI and DWI lawyer

A Vince Colella headshot
A Colella

Personal injury lawyer

Michael J. Rex headshot
Michael Rex

Criminal defense lawyer

Stuart G. Friedman headshot
Stuart Friedman

Appeals lawyer

David B. Rosenberg headshot
David Rosenberg

Criminal defense lawyer

Colin Andrew Daniels headshot
Colin Daniels

Criminal defense lawyer

Loren M. Dickstein headshot
Loren Dickstein

Criminal defense lawyer

Randall M. Lewis headshot
Randall Lewis

Criminal defense lawyer

James W. Burdick headshot
James Burdick

White collar crime lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2011.

Reciprocal - Censure issued in NY, 2011

updated on 08/03/2016

This means that the attorney's misconduct in another state, or jurisdiction, also violated the rules for practicing law in New York.

Reprimand issued in MI, 2011

updated on 06/13/2012

Reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Honors

2015

Leaders in the Law, Michigan Lawyer's Weekly

2015

Among The Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2014

Top 10, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Criminal Defense, Legals Finest

2014

Leading Lawyer - DUI, Leading Lawyers Network

2014

Top Lawyers, dbusiness

2014

Top 50 (Consumer) Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2014

Top 100, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Super Lawyer, Michigan Super Lawyers

2013

Top Lawyer, DBusiness Magazine

2012

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2012

Top 100, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Top Lawyer, DBusiness Magazine

2011

Best of Detroit, Hour Magazine

2011

Top Lawyer, DBusiness Magazine

2010

Endorsement, Marijuana Policy Project

2009

Detroit's Movers and Shakers, 944 Magazine

2008

Detroit's Hottest Lawyer, Six Degrees Magazine

1997

Distinguished Service Award, Oakland County Prosecutor's Office

N/A

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

Work Experience

2001 - Present

Principal, Neil Rockind, P.C.

1997 - 2001

Attorney, Fried, Saperstein, Abbatt & Rockind, P.C.

1993 - 1997

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Oakland County Prosecutor's Office

Associations

2011 - Present

Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2011 - Present

Cannabis Patients United

Member

2010 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2010 - Present

Marijuana Patients Organization

Board Member

2009 - Present

Friends of the IDF

Board Member

2007 - Present

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan

Member

2005 - Present

Anti Defamation League

Board Member - Regional Advisory Board

Oakland County Bar Association

Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Michigan v Warren

Not Guilty

Michigan v Amouri

Not Guilty

Michigan v Williamson

Not Guilty

People v Herron

Dismissed Prior To Trial

People v "F.B."

Dismissed

People v O'Keefe

Not Guilty

People v Jarbo

Jury Trial - Not Guilty

People v Tell

Plead to reduced offense - avoided prison and jail

People v Zaid

Case Dismissed

People v Price

Case dismissed

People v Garmo

Evidence Suppressed - Case Dismissed

Dearborn v Navoy

Judge Somers, the Dearborn judge who ordered that the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act was unconstitutional, is disqualified.

People v Richmond (Clinical Relief Dispensary Case)

Case Dismissed

People v Chapman

Dismissed

People v Sulaka

Case Dismissed: The Court ruled that marijuana was no longer a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance in Michigan and that the statute violated Equal Protection

Michigan v Brewart

Case Dismissed

Troy v Dabash

Not Guilty

Michigan v Longordo

Acquittal

Bloomfield v Fawkes

Not Guilty - Acquittal

Michigan v Prendi

Acquittal

Michigan v Charles Jerome

Acquittal -- Not Guilty

People v Sema

Careless Driving

People v Shango

Acquittal of all Felony Charges

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Bachelor of General Studies

1993

Wayne State University

Juris Doctorate

Speaking Engagements

2016

CDAM Fall Conference - Traverse City

Themes and Theory - Featured Afternoon Presenter

2013

Summer Conference

The Devil Is In The Details: How To Preserve The Record And Win At Trial

2012

Symposium on Marijuana Legalization and Medical Marijuana Decriminalization

Medical Marijuana

2012

Seminar on Medical Marijuana and Psychology, Treaters and Therapists

Medical Marijuana Defense

2012

Institute for Continuing Legal Education

Representing High School and College Age Students In Criminal Cases

2011

Spring Conference, Advanced Trial Skills

Expert Witneses

2011

Seminar

Defending Medical Marijuana Cases

2011

Oakland County Bar Association

Defending Medical Marijuana Cases

2011

League of Women Voters Forum

Medical Marijuana

2011

Continuing Legal Education Series

Defending Medical Marijuana Cases

2010

Speakers Bureau

I Didn't Make It In Hollywood, But I'm Great in Front of a Jury

1997

The Police Adacemy - Criminal Law Update

Criminal Law Update

Publications

Languages

English

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
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2011
    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