New Jersey Ecstasy Charges Attorney
Ecstasy Drug Crime Lawyers in Hamilton Represents Clients Charged with Drug Offenses in Mercer County, Monmouth County, Middlesex County, and Throughout NJ
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), popularly known as ecstasy, “molly,” or “E,” is a stimulant/hallucinogen popular with the nightclub and concert scene. However, possession of ecstasy in New Jersey constitutes a felony offense, carrying severe penalties in the event of a conviction. If you’ve been arrested and charged with possessing MDMA, you may have options for contesting your charges and pursuing a favorable resolution of your case. Turn to a New Jersey ecstasy charges attorney from The Scardella Law Firm LLC for help.
After you’ve been arrested for possession of ecstasy, get the legal representation you need to defend your rights and future. Contact us for a free initial case evaluation to discuss your legal options with our ecstasy drug crime lawyers in Hamilton, NJ. Our attorneys will explain the criminal justice process and prepare you for what to expect so you don’t have to face your charges without the advice and information you need to make the best decisions for your interests.
New Jersey Ecstasy Drug Possession Offenses
New Jersey’s drug possession statute makes it unlawful to possess illegal drugs such as ecstasy/MDMA. In addition, a person who knowingly comes into possession of ecstasy must immediately turn it over to a law enforcement official or face a disorderly persons charge.
The law also outlaws the manufacture, transportation, distribution, or possession of ecstasy with intent to distribute those drugs. Prosecutors may charge a defendant with possession with intent to distribute based on the quantity of ecstasy involved or whether the drugs were packaged for sale.
What Are the Penalties for an Ecstasy Possession Conviction?
Penalties for possessing ecstasy will depend on whether the drugs were intended for personal consumption or whether a defendant intended to distribute or sell the drugs. A conviction for simple possession of ecstasy is a third-degree crime that carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment and a potential fine of up to $35,000.
Penalties for possession of ecstasy with intent to distribute will depend on the quantity of drugs found in a defendant’s possession:
- Less than half an ounce – Up to five years in prison and a potential fine of up to $75,000
- One-half ounce or more but less than five ounces – Up to 10 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $150,000
- Five or more ounces – 10 to 20 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $300,000
Possessing ecstasy with intent to distribute or distributing ecstasy on a school bus or school property or within 1,000 feet of a bus or school may result in a mandatory period of parole ineligibility equal to one-third to one-half of the imposed prison sentence.
Our Experienced Ecstasy Drug Crime Lawyers in Hamilton, NJ, Can Evaluate Possible Defenses in Your Case
An arrest for ecstasy possession does not necessarily mean a conviction. Depending on the circumstances leading to your arrest, you may have potential defenses to fight criminal charges, including:
- Contesting the legality of a law enforcement stop by showing that police lacked reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or proving they unreasonably extended the duration of a stop
- Challenging the lawfulness of a warrantless search or the validity of a search warrant by proving a lack of probable cause for the search
- Moving to exclude evidence as unlawfully obtained or due to questions of reliability, such as by challenging laboratory testing of seized substances or highlighting a break in the chain of custody
- Identifying facts demonstrating that you did not have actual or constructive possession of the seized drugs
Let a New Jersey Ecstasy Charges Attorney Advocate for Your Reputation and Freedom
An evening of partying can quickly lead to serious criminal charges that may jeopardize your freedom and future. At The Scardella Law Firm LLC, our ecstasy drug crimes lawyers in Hamilton, NJ, will aggressively defend your rights and interest in your case by:
- Thoroughly investigating your charges to find evidence that may support your defense
- Identifying viable defense strategies
- Explaining your charges and potential outcomes in your case so you have the information you need to begin making decisions for your best interests
- Filing motions to contest the admissibility of the state’s evidence and the sufficiency of the evidence supporting your charges
- Evaluating alternative options for resolving your charges, including applying for admission to recovery court if you are eligible
- Presenting a compelling defense case in court if you decide to fight your charges at trial
Contact Us for a Free Case Review to Talk to Our Ecstasy Drug Crimes Lawyers in Hamilton, NJ, About Your Legal Options
When you are facing charges of ecstasy possession, a New Jersey ecstasy charges attorney from The Scardella Law Firm LLC can advocate for your interests. Contact our firm today for a free, confidential consultation to learn more about how we help people facing drug possession or distribution charges in New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ecstasy Charges in New Jersey
Various circumstances surrounding an ecstasy possession arrest may result in the imposition of more serious possession charges or additional charges on top of possession. For example, a person may face a higher-graded charge if they possess ecstasy near a school or in a public building, public park/playground, or public housing complex. A person may face additional charges for having a firearm while possessing drugs. The grading of an ecstasy charge may also depend on the quantity of ecstasy found in a suspect’s possession, as possessing five or more ounces of ecstasy will usually lead to a more serious possession charge with intent to distribute.
New Jersey and federal drug laws classify ecstasy/MDMA as a Schedule I drug. Schedule I drugs include any drug with no currently accepted medical uses and a high risk of abuse or addiction. Possession of Schedule I drugs usually constitute the most serious drug crimes because of the public health risk that these drugs pose.
