Fort Wayne Lawyer Provides Aggressive Defense to Ecstasy Possession

Skilled Indiana counselor protects your rights in drug prosecutions

Since the 1980s, MDMA, also known as ecstasy, molly, and X, has been a popular club drug because of its combination of effects. Derived from amphetamine, this synthetic drug acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogenic, increasing energy while altering moods and the perception of reality. Ecstasy is a Schedule I controlled substance because it has no therapeutic value, is highly addictive, and can cause severe adverse health effects. That means if you have been arrested for possessing ecstasy, you can expect zealous prosecution. Fortunately, you can get skilled and aggressive defense representation from The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey. From the moment you call, we work to protect your rights and fight to secure the best resolution possible under the facts of your case.

Penalties for possession of ecstasy

The penalties for possession of MDMA vary based on the amount of the drug and other circumstances:

• Class A misdemeanor — Possession of less than three grams of MDMA is punishable by up to a year in jail.
• Level 6 felony — The same offense is charged as a felony, punishable by six months to 2.5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, if there are enhancing factors.
• Level 5 felony — Possession of more than three but less than 10 grams of ecstasy, or less than three grams in a protected zone, such as on a school bus or within 500 feet of a school, park, family housing complex, or youth center, is punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Level 4 felony — Possession of more than 10 but less than 28 grams of ecstasy, or three to 10 grams in a protected zone is punishable by two to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Level 3 felony — Possession of at least 28 grams of ecstasy, or between 10 and 28 grams in a protected zone is punishable by three to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

High-level misdemeanor and felony charges carry severe penalties that can rob you of a great portion of your life. If you’ve been arrested on drug charges, remember that you have the right to remain silent and to speak to an attorney. Make the call to a determined criminal defense lawyer you can trust to fight for your rights.

Defenses to ecstasy possession charges

In order to convict you of drug possession, the authorities must prove you committed the offense “knowingly” and “intentionally.” This means you were aware of the drugs and you exercised control over them. If you didn’t know the drugs were on your person or in your car, you have not committed the offense. If you knew the drugs were in your car, but another person exercised control over the drugs and you had no say in the matter, you did not commit the offense. Furthermore, if the police discovered the drugs as the result of an illegal search, the drugs are not admissible in a court of law, so the prosecution’s case will fall apart. Finally, even if you do not have a defense to the charges, a skilled and determined attorney can still improve the outcome of your case by fighting for a reduction in charges and lenient sentencing.

Contact an aggressive Indiana criminal defense lawyer for possession of ecstasy charges

If you have been arrested for possession or distribution of MDMA, The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey is prepared to provide a strong defense. For a free consultation and cost-effective representation from an experienced Fort Wayne attorney, please contact the firm online or call us at 260-222-7364.