Crimes Involving Ecstasy in New York City

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Methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine, also known as MDMA or ecstasy, is a powerful psychedelic drug that is highly illegal across the United States and the rest of the world. Ecstasy is also a strong stimulant that can result in dangerously increased body temperature that can cause death. It is classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency as a Schedule I drug, which designates the highest potential for abuse.

Ecstasy-related charges can be extremely serious. If you are charged with criminal possession or criminal sale of a controlled substance, you can face years in jail if you are convicted. If you have been charged or arrested for possession or sale of ecstasy, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Daniel A. Hochheiser right away.

Penalties You Can Expect

Depending upon the amount of the drug that you allegedly had or sold, the subsequent penalties will be adjusted accordingly. For example, you could face a much more severe punishment if you were in possession of a very large amount of ecstasy than if you had only one tablet or pill. In any instance, however, you should not hesitate to enlist the help of a legal professional as soon as circumstances allow.

Criminal Possession of Ecstasy

It is illegal to possess any form of hallucinogenic or psychedelic drug. You could face serious jail time and a felony offense on your criminal record if you are convicted of possessing 25 mgs or more of a hallucinogen—which includes ecstasy. Even being in possession of a single tablet could land you in jail for up to a year, since you would likely be charged with the criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree (Class A misdemeanor). From there, the penalties only become more severe. According to New York Code §220, ecstasy offenses are charged as follows:

• 1 gram – criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree (Class C felony)
• 5 grams – criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree (Class B felony)
• 25 grams – criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree (Class A-II Felony)

Criminal Sale of Ecstasy

Drug sale is a much more severe charge than possession. Police officers and prosecutors always want to crack down hard on individuals who they believe are going to or have sold illegal drugs. If you have been accused of criminal sale of a controlled substance, you could face up to 25 years in prison. If the amount of ecstasy you sold was over 2 ounces, you could face a minimum of 15 years' incarceration if you are convicted.

It is obvious to see that ecstasy-related offenses are extremely serious and can result in a life-changing conviction if you are not properly defended. You need to take action by contacting a New York City drug crime lawyer who has experience defending people who have been charged with ecstasy sale or possession.

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