Distribution of Ecstasy (XTC)

A Conviction for Distribution of MDMA Can Result in 10-20 Years in Prison

New Jersey regulations concerning Ecstasy are fairly strict,even if not always enforced consistently or to the limit of the law. XTC possession, distribution or use of half an ounce of MDMA is a third-degree crime punishable by up to three to five years in prison and $75,000 in fines; arrests involving more than half an ounce are second-degree offenses that can result in five to 10 years in prison; and if you’re unlucky enough to be caught possessing or distributing five ounces of Ecstasy or more, that counts as a first-degree crime, with penalties as severe as 10 to 20 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.

One key thing to bear in mind about these penalties is that they’re based on the weight of the pills involved, and not on the weight of the active drug inside. This is important because many pills touted as “Ecstasy” actually contain very small amounts of the drug, so even a negligible dose can entail severe fines or jail time. It’s also common that presumed Ecstasy pills contain no MDMA at all, but rather caffeine, nicotine or pure sugar (that is, a placebo).

Distribution of Ecstasy

As with any illegal drug, authorities like to aggressively pursue major Ecstasy dealers, preferably those in possession of over five ounces of the drug and with a clear intent to distribute for profit. However, there’s a big difference between a college-age clubgoer carrying five or six Ecstasy pills in his pocket, which he intends to hand out to friends, and a “professional” distributor with ties to eastern Europe, where many Ecstasy pills are manufactured.

Let Our Drug Defense Attorneys Help You

The experienced drug crimes defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help you to fight trumped-up charges of Ecstasy distribution—and if you’ve been accused of widespread, systematic sale of the drug, our attorneys can help defend you against those charges as well.

Contact our drug crimes defense attorneys today for a free consultation to discuss your case. If you are in jail and unable to come to us, we can come to you.

About Ecstasy

First synthesized in 1912, Ecstasy (technically known as MDMA) only became illegal in 1985, when it started to become popular in nightclubs. Ecstasy is a mild stimulant that affects the brain’s levels of serotonin and dopamine, causing feelings of euphoria and closeness to others (hence the tendency of people on Ecstasy to hug one another). Ecstasy isn’t nearly as addictive as crack (freebase cocaine), cocaine or even marijuana, but there is some evidence that long-term use can result in chronic depression and anxiety.