Possession of MDMA in Pennsylvania

Ecstasy, Molly, and other MDMA-based substances are social drugs that are commonly used at raves, clubs, concerts, and on college campuses. MDMA-based drugs are widely known as party drugs for the euphoric feeling users experience once it has been consumed. Although these substances are not accessed as easily or as often as street drugs like cocaine and heroin, the rates of MDMA possession and drug use are gradually rising in the state of Pennsylvania. As a result, state law enforcement and prosecutors have placed an emphasis on charging and convicting defendants in connection with MDMA-based drugs.

If you have been charged with a drug crime involving MDMA, it's important you understand what you could be up against. In this article, we will address (1) the state of Pennsylvania's MDMA laws, and (2) the penalties associated with these crimes. Aside from being informed, hiring an attorney to advocate for you in a court is a must. An attorney will maximize your chances of getting these serious charges either reduced or completely dismissed.

MDMA Laws in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, it is against the law for an individual to possess, cultivate, deliver, distribute, sell, or transport illegal drugs. MDMA is categorized as a schedule I controlled substance in the state, which means that it has no accepted medical use and has a high potential abuse. Therefore, people caught with very little amounts of MDMA will be facing criminal charges.

Simple possession (less than two grams)

In order for a defendant to be convicted of simple possession crime, it must be proven that the defendant possessed the drug. The courts will assess whether an actual or constructive possession has been established in a case.

Actual possession refers to drugs that were discovered on a defendant. If the drugs were found in a person's pocket, for example, it would constitute an actual possession. A constructive possession is established when the drugs were found in a place that you've previously or currently have control of. Your car or your home are examples of constructive possession.

According to state statutes, the simple possession of MDMA-based drugs will be charged as a misdemeanor offense. This crime carries penalties of at least one year in prison and/or the payment of a $5,000 fine, for a first-time offense. In these cases, it is automatically assumed that the drugs confiscated were intended to be consumed for personal use.

Possession with the intent to distribute (PWID)

A person will be convicted on PWID charges when a prosecutor can prove that a defendant had intentions of distributing MDMA-based drugs. Generally, courts assess a number of factors like, the quantity of drugs found, drug packaging, the existence of distribution materials (scales, multiple cell phones etc.), a defendant's drug history etc. to rule out or prove that a defendant was intending to distribute the drugs in question.

Whether or not a transaction was made in these cases is irrelevant. As long as there was an attempt, a person may be convicted on charges of PWID. Also, the vague term “distribute” includes any type of transfer. This means giving some drugs to your friend without charging any amount of money is still considered a criminal act.

PWID is charged as a felony crime. The penalties for a conviction of this offense are harsh, even for a first offense. The severity of the penalties imposed depend on the quantity of drugs confiscated from a defendant.

  • Two to ten grams: Up to two years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Subsequent offenses result in up to three years in prison and a $10,000.
  • Ten to 100 grams: Up to three years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. Subsequent offense results in up to five years in prison and a $30,000 fine.
  • Over 100 grams: Five years in prison and a $25,00 fine. Subsequent offenses result in up to seven years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with any offense involving MDMA-based drugs, or any drug offense, it is crucial that you retain an attorney.  LLF Law Firm has extensive experience successfully advocating for defendants who've been in your shoes, and they can do the same for you. Contact them today for help.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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