Legal Muscle: Anabolics in America

Rating:
Summary: DON'T READ THIS BOOK
Review: ...unless you can handle the truth! This is the ground-breaking, pioneer, authoritative treatise on anabolic-androgenic steroids and the law in the United States.

Thoroughly researched and well-written in laymans' terms, this book is written by accomplished former prosecutor and current New York criminal defense attorney and prolific author, Richard (Rick) D. Collins, Esq. Rick is an expert in the handling of controlled substance cases, particularly those involving anabolics, and has carved-out a niche for himself where he has advised counsel on cases in federal and state courts from New York to California and nearly everywhere in between. In addition to being a courtroom virtuoso, Rick writes extensively on the subject.

Rick Collins, attorney, accomplished bodybuilder and actor who has appeared on HBO TVs mob-hit THE SOPRANOS, is a name known to readers of Muscular Development magazine where he in on the advisory board and also pens a monthly column discussing anabolics and legal issues. From reading LEGAL MUSCLE, it's obvious that Rick is passionate about his work and has strong feelings against the scheduling and present penalties for the mere possession of anabolic-androgenic steroids by the recreational bodybuilder. Unbeknownst to many, myself included, LEGAL MUSCLE blows the lid off the real reason why anabolics have been demonized. If you think it's the alleged health consequences, think again. Moreover, contrary to what the mainstream media would have one believe, teens and professional athletes are NOT the ones who are being prosecuted. Further, Rick dedicates well-documented, end-noted chapters to the pharmacology and physiological effects and most importantly, debunks the hyperbolic myths of the asserted pernicious health effects. In and of themselves, these chapters could compose a handbook which is an excellent read for parents, teachers and athletic coaches at all levels.

After the introductory chapters, which provide background for the neophyte to anabolics, Rick delves in the heart of the matter including: federal statutes (the laws of the fifty states, DC and Puerto are all reproduced in part in one of the appendices), federal sentencing guidelines, and an overview of how a case proceeds through the criminal judice system. Additional chapters discuss legal theories such as reasonable suspicion, probable cause and proof beyond a reasonable doubt; all of which dovetails into searches, warrants and the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution. More specifically, based upon the multitude of steroid cases Rick has handled over the years, there are chapters discussing the most common ways in which law enforcement develop their investigations and ultimately make an arrest through confidential informants, controlled deliveries, cyber-sleuthing, and interrogation. The quality of these chapters is that the the lessons learned are not unique to anabolics, but rather, are translatable into virtually any other criminal matter on the docket, ie., assault, DWI, possession of narcotics, etc.

While the book can certainly be read cover to cover, it can also serve as an authoritative treatise. One can simply open the book to a section or chapter and refer to that given issue. There are helpful charts and a first-of-its-kind glossary of anabolics and ancillary medications which includes their legal status.

I have added a copy of LEGAL MUSCLE to my home library. Considering the amount of time and knowledge that Rick has dedicated to LEGAL MUSCLE, it's an excellent investment.

Rating:
Summary: DON'T READ THIS BOOK
Review: ...unless you can handle the truth! This is the ground-breaking, pioneer, authoritative treatise on anabolic-androgenic steroids and the law in the United States.

Thoroughly researched and well-written in laymans' terms, this book is written by accomplished former prosecutor and current New York criminal defense attorney and prolific author, Richard (Rick) D. Collins, Esq. Rick is an expert in the handling of controlled substance cases, particularly those involving anabolics, and has carved-out a niche for himself where he has advised counsel on cases in federal and state courts from New York to California and nearly everywhere in between. In addition to being a courtroom virtuoso, Rick writes extensively on the subject.

Rick Collins, attorney, accomplished bodybuilder and actor who has appeared on HBO TVs mob-hit THE SOPRANOS, is a name known to readers of Muscular Development magazine where he in on the advisory board and also pens a monthly column discussing anabolics and legal issues. From reading LEGAL MUSCLE, it's obvious that Rick is passionate about his work and has strong feelings against the scheduling and present penalties for the mere possession of anabolic-androgenic steroids by the recreational bodybuilder. Unbeknownst to many, myself included, LEGAL MUSCLE blows the lid off the real reason why anabolics have been demonized. If you think it's the alleged health consequences, think again. Moreover, contrary to what the mainstream media would have one believe, teens and professional athletes are NOT the ones who are being prosecuted. Further, Rick dedicates well-documented, end-noted chapters to the pharmacology and physiological effects and most importantly, debunks the hyperbolic myths of the asserted pernicious health effects. In and of themselves, these chapters could compose a handbook which is an excellent read for parents, teachers and athletic coaches at all levels.

After the introductory chapters, which provide background for the neophyte to anabolics, Rick delves in the heart of the matter including: federal statutes (the laws of the fifty states, DC and Puerto are all reproduced in part in one of the appendices), federal sentencing guidelines, and an overview of how a case proceeds through the criminal judice system. Additional chapters discuss legal theories such as reasonable suspicion, probable cause and proof beyond a reasonable doubt; all of which dovetails into searches, warrants and the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution. More specifically, based upon the multitude of steroid cases Rick has handled over the years, there are chapters discussing the most common ways in which law enforcement develop their investigations and ultimately make an arrest through confidential informants, controlled deliveries, cyber-sleuthing, and interrogation. The quality of these chapters is that the the lessons learned are not unique to anabolics, but rather, are translatable into virtually any other criminal matter on the docket, ie., assault, DWI, possession of narcotics, etc.

While the book can certainly be read cover to cover, it can also serve as an authoritative treatise. One can simply open the book to a section or chapter and refer to that given issue. There are helpful charts and a first-of-its-kind glossary of anabolics and ancillary medications which includes their legal status.

I have added a copy of LEGAL MUSCLE to my home library. Considering the amount of time and knowledge that Rick has dedicated to LEGAL MUSCLE, it's an excellent investment.

Rating:
Summary: Routina - Another Pro-Drug book from a defense law firm
Review: Don't buy this book thinking it will change your mind. It's kind of an advocates brief from a defense law firm. No prosecutors brief however.

Basically this book is similar to many pro-drug books on the market, parading a serious of horribles where prosecutors equated steroids with crack and some innocent bodybuilder got sent to the slammer. Of course, the same thing sometimes happens with legitimate businessmen who send money overseas without reporting it to the Treasury Dept and get slammed for 'money laundering' Unfair for sure. (BTW, I have nothing against legalizing drugs, even hard drugs, if users want them, and assuming minors and nuts can't use them).

I have not read this book, but they all tend to be cut from the same cloth.

One book I did read and highly recommend is: A Brief History of Cocaine by Steven B. Karch, M.D. Truly outstanding.

Recommend this review if it helped you. Be honest.

Rating:
Summary: You must own this book
Review: If you are interested in steroids at all, especially if you use steroids you should buy this book. It is money well spent.

Rating:
Summary: What you need to know about hipocrisy in America
Review: If you are, or are thinking of, using anabolics (including prohormones soon), you need to read this book.
The more you read, the more angry you become at the persecution of responsible adults, whose only vice seems to be a desire to improve their physique.
This book gives you a list of steroid related laws for all 50 states as well as a lot of "horror stories" about average citizens caught up in the "anti-steroid mania" of some rural law enforcement agencies. IE, the guy who has smaller than a personal amount of some oral steroid who is suddenly seen as a BIG DEALER by Bubba Podunk deputy sheriff. Then spends countless dollars and loses almost everything trying to convince some small town judge that he is not the same as some Columbian Cartel Drug Lord (yes, some are really that bad)
When 1/2 of health care costs in America are being caused by obesity related illnesses, why is the government going after fitness enthusiasts?? Because they're different, because they're not 50lbs overweight and don't sit around at lunch with a triple cheeseburger, large fries, 3 glasses of beer, and a pack of cigarettes???? I just don't get it at all, but this book will wake you up.
You think the 'prohormone ban' is the end of it. No way buddy, some of these guys are so ignorant, they want it all.
Read, learn, and get angry.

Rating:
Summary: What the government won't tell you about steroids!
Review: This books is excellent reading. Thinking about steroids or know someone who is? Before you make a decision know your rights under the law. More importantly, know the TRUTH about steroid use by average everyday citizens. Author Rick Collins blows the lid off the media image of illegal steroid use and explains in clear and concise language what your legal rights are under Federal and State statutes. Don't make a move without knowing the law and how to protect yourself. Highly recommended. I can't say enough good about this book!

Rating:
Summary: What the government won't tell you about steroids!
Review: This books is excellent reading. Thinking about steroids or know someone who is? Before you make a decision know your rights under the law. More importantly, know the TRUTH about steroid use by average everyday citizens. Author Rick Collins blows the lid off the media image of illegal steroid use and explains in clear and concise language what your legal rights are under Federal and State statutes. Don't make a move without knowing the law and how to protect yourself. Highly recommended. I can't say enough good about this book!