Ecstasy Sale, Manufacturing, Possession with Intent

Over the years, ecstasy has become a drug of choice in nightclubs, at certain electronic music festivals or concerts, and at raves. The drug, also known as Molly, MDMA, or simply “X,” was blamed for the death of several Illinois teenagers in the early 2000s and, as a result, has become a target for law enforcement officials.

Despite the ongoing efforts to curtail the use of ecstasy among high school students and college-aged adults, it remains a popular drug. Yet, for its fashionable status, ecstasy charges — including the delivery, manufacturing, trafficking, and possession of ecstasy with intent to deliver — carry steep penalties that can lead to, at a minimum, long prison sentences and heavy fines.

It doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re facing an ecstasy charge, it’s crucial to contact a professional Chicago drug defense attorney who can discuss your charge in depth, outline any potential penalties and common defense strategies, and advocate on your behalf to obtain the best possible result.

Defining Illinois Ecstasy Crimes

Several factors can spell the difference between a simple possession charge and an arrest for the delivery, manufacturing, trafficking, and possession with intent of ecstasy. A prosecutor will have to introduce circumstantial evidence to prove the latter charge, which may be difficult to do.

You can be charged with several different actions related to ecstasy dealing in Illinois. Those include:

• Delivery — It is illegal to sell, distribute, or transfer ecstasy in Illinois.
• Manufacturing — It is illegal to create or manufacture controlled substances, which includes ecstasy.
• Trafficking — It’s a serious criminal offense to transport ecstasy into Illinois from another state or country.
• Possession with intent —This differs from common possession in that it includes the accusation that the person with ecstasy on their person intended to sell or distribute the drug to others.

In addition to the drugs themselves, a prosecutor may present additional pieces of evidence to bolster their case. Some of that evidence may include:

• Scales, baggie, or other items indicating the potential for a sale (even if no sale took place)
• Common drug paraphernalia or ingredients used to manufacture the drug
• External information, such as the location of the arrest (especially if the building or area is known for drug dealing)

Possible Penalties For Ecstasy Offenses

The delivery, manufacturing, trafficking, or possession of ecstasy with the intent to deliver are serious felony charges, and the harsh penalties that accompany a conviction may include the following:

• Prison time: Depending on how much ecstasy is connected to the charge, those convicted of delivering, manufacturing, or possession of ecstasy with the intent to deliver may face up to 60 years in prison. Penalties are based on the amount of ecstasy involved in the offense, with trafficking charges punishable by double the prison sentence you face for delivery, manufacturing, or possession with intent.
• Fines: Fines of up to $500,000 may be required as part of a guilty finding.

Those are just a few of the consequences someone may face if found guilty. Other consequences apart from the statutory penalties may include:

• Permanent criminal record — A felony conviction on your permanent record can lead to problems finding or keeping a job
• Higher education federal financial aid — A convicted drug offender may be ineligible to receive federal financial aid for a college education.
• Custody — A convicted drug offender may lose custody of their child or visitation rights.
• Loss of Rights — Convicted felons lose their rights to vote and possess firearms
• Immigration Effects — You may lose your immigration visa or green card, be denied citizenship, or be deported for a felony drug conviction

Common Defenses to Ecstasy Charges

Charges related to ecstasy dealing are serious legal matters that require a strong defense strategy by a skilled Illinois drug defense lawyer. A great defense lawyer will explore numerous options for your defense that may include:

• Investigative errors — An experienced defense lawyer will look at every aspect of an investigation to ensure it was carried out according to the law and rules designed to preserve your rights as a citizen. If your rights were violated during an investigation or arrest, a great attorney will vigorously pursue this defense.
• Search and seizure rights — The accused are afforded basic search and seizure rights during the investigation or arrest. If these were violated, an experienced defense lawyer will move to have certain evidence suppressed or your case dismissed.
• Circumstantial evidence — So much of the evidence introduced by prosecutors is circumstantial. A qualified defense lawyer will look at any assumptions made and arguments that lack a basis in evidence or logic.

How Chicago Drug Defense Lawyer Michael O’Meara Can Help

Charges related to ecstasy often involve young people who made mistakes or bad choices, or who got caught up in something beyond their control. It’s also not unusual for people to be charged when they’re actually innocent.

Michael O’Meara believes that every person is innocent unless proven guilty — and he’ll fight to see that you receive justice in court. O’Meara is an experienced former Cook County prosecutor who subsequently has spent more than a decade in criminal defense practice. He has an unmatched understanding of the many facets of a criminal case and how to craft effective defense strategies on your behalf.

Attorney O’Meara has the demonstrated skills to beat difficult charges and a proven history of obtaining the best possible results on behalf of people charged with drug crimes. Call him today at 312-909-0706 to schedule a free consultation and learn how he can help you.