Possession of Ecstasy
Use and Possession of Ecstasy (MDMA) Drug Charges in NJ
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.
Penalties for Possession of MDMA
New Jersey regulations concerning Ecstasy are fairly strict, even if not always enforced consistently or to the limit of the law. 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).
If you’ve been charged with possessing, distributing or using Ecstasy, the drug defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help determine if, in fact, an MDMA offense was actually committed.
Charges of Use of Ecstasy
Ecstasy pills (whether they actually contain MDMA or not) are so commonly distributed in nightclubs and at raves and outdoor concerts, that it is very easy for an innocent person to be caught up in a wider Ecstasy bust on the presumption that he or she has ingested the drug. However, the fact that your friends have been using Ecstasy, with or without your knowledge or consent, is not sufficient cause to charge you with a crime (unless, you have also been accused of possessing or distributing the drug.) If you have been falsely arrested, our criminal defense attorneys can help you to fight unfair drug charges involving use of MDMA.
Charges of Possession of Ecstasy
It can be difficult to prove that any given person has actually ingested Ecstasy so many of the charges involving Ecstasy concern simple possession. The fact is that being in possession of even one, two or three Ecstasy pills (for example, discovered at a traffic stop or during an airport luggage search) can land you in trouble with the law.
The key issue is whether or not those pills can be proven that they belong to you, or have been inadvertently left on your person or property by other individuals.
Charged With an XTC Drug Crime? Let Our New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys Help You.
If you have been charged with possession, distribution or trafficking of Ecstasy you could be facing serious drug charges. Our New Jersey criminal defense lawyers will work hard to reduce the charges against you, or, if you are innocent, to have the charges dismissed.