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 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by michael | June 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best Attorney In Michigan

I was charged with a felony DUI. I met with attorney Neil Rockind. He explained the seriousness of my case and that his whole team would be working on my case. The state prosecutor was asking for 1-3 years of prison time. The first hurdle was I needed to travel to Europe for a month after my arrest. ...Attorney Samar scheduled an emergency date with the court. The judge allowed my travel and told me, "The only reason I am allowing your trip is the outstanding reputation of your lawyer, Thank him." Neil's team kept fighting for me several times when court dates arose over the next year. Attorney Colin kept me advised of the strategies, and Breanna constantly kept me updated of any dates and changes in my case. The communication from the firm was outstanding. The prosecution kept coming up with sentences that Mr. Rockind would not accept. After more than a year of battling for me, I ended up sentenced to 24 days in county jail. While incarcerated, I noticed people doing substantially longer jail sentences for charges that were much more minor (misdemeanor offenses) than mine. Neil Rockind and his team have an outstanding reputation in the court room, from the judges to the prosecutors. I felt it while going through the process. Mr. Rockind's fees are high, but the results of freedom are worth every penny! I have been sober for over three years and never plan to need Mr. Rockind's services again. But if you need the best criminal defense lawyer and want the absolute best results possible, please contact attorney Neil Rockind.

Posted by anonymous | July 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best outcome I could hope for

Neil and his team (Colin, Breanna, Alex) were amazing defending me for an OWI 3rd offense. They fought for me til the end and eventually got it reduced to a 2nd offense which is almost impossible in Oakland County Circuit Court. They were very detailed and kept me informed at every step of the case.... I would highly recommend them for any type of criminal defense case. Results are what matters and Neil and his team get RESULTS!!!!

Posted by anonymous | October 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Have a Rock hard case? They will fight for the best Kind of outcome!

Whenever you need legal help, you need to go to the best. Neil Rockind and his team will not disappoint you. I can vouch that they are one of the best in town. They promise less and deliver more. This obviously comes from years of combined experience of the Rockind Law team We were introduced to ...Neil Rockind by a mutual friend after I was arrested and we needed expert legal help. When I first met with Neil, he took the painstaking steps of understanding what had happened and why I was arrested. He asked me numerous questions to better understand the context and the background for my actions. We hired Neil right away and that was the best decision we made. After arraignment, he scheduled a meeting with us and explained to us in detail the charge and the consequences of the charge, my rights as a defendant, the next steps in the process, the timeline to a resolution and the possible range of outcomes. It was clear that Neil had dealt with similar issues many times before. Neil's understanding of the subject matter was superb. He was extremely thorough in his due diligence and knew exactly what to do. Neil’s excellent negotiation skills were evident when he was dealing with the prosecutors. The numerous back-and-forth with the prosecutors clearly showed his willingness to take an aggressive stance and fight for his client. As I look back at what happened from start to finish, I have no doubt in my mind that Neil’s legal expertise enables him to look at things in a way that others normally don't. Consequently, it yields the best possible outcome. In our case, despite a very serious charge, there was no conviction, only probation. We cannot thank Neil enough. Neil is ably supported by Colin, Noel and Breanna. We are very appreciative of their help throughout the process.

Posted by Lisa | April 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Appeals

Roc"kind"

Just left my Appeal Hearing to have my Drivers License reinstated. My case was complicated by an out of state move. With such empathy and kindness, Neil took the time to skillfully navigate me through every detail. He even took the time to meet with me on Sunday and during holidays to accommodate ...my personal schedule! He truly cares about his clients and with a laser focus adds personal attention to detail. It is customary to take 3-4 weeks to hear back on the resulting Order. My hearing officer granted my request to reinstate my license on the Spot! Thank you Neil, for putting my mind at ease, taking the time to prepare me, and for the confidence you instilled for my awesome outcome! Colin and the rest of your staff are equal in their personal attention to detail. I HIGHLY recommend Neil and his staff for results.

Posted by Tim | September 30, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

"Teamwork makes the Dream Work"

I was facing a felony and misdemeanor charge. In a county with the odds stacked against me. I had everything to lose including five years of lobbying in Lansing. These charges would have made the last five years of my life and the future that I've worked for tirelessly useless. I was told that Rockin...d Law was expensive, all I have to say is the old analogy "You get what you pay for" Couldn't be more true! If you want a prize fighter in the court room and someone who is not afraid of the system, then do yourself a favor and put this law firm to work for you. From the Paralegal Breanna to Attorney Colin Daniels I was made aware of what was going on and what to expect. I was never promised an outcome, other than we will fight for you every step of the way and they did just that. Now I have to tell a quick story. During my raid Rockind Law had a local attorney at my home within forty minutes, to advise me and make sure the police weren't taking liberties. I asked this attorney what his opinion of Neil Rockind was, he immediately got a smile on his face and shared his opinion of attorneys in general. He said "Some get into the profession in hopes of making big money, some of these attorneys are marginal, some of them are good and enjoy what they do with better than average results" Then he said "Every now and then you come across an attorney that has been touched by God and that is Neil Rockind". I thought wow! kind words, but after all Rockind Law sent him here. But after seeing the first police officer get cross examined all I can say is I Had court side seats literally (LMAO) to something that most people only see on TV. It was amazing... For the record, All charges were dismissed. Thanks again!

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

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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