Ecstasy Crime Defense Lawyer

As a state and federal criminal defense attorney with many years of experience, David M. Dudley has successfully defended numerous people accused of federal drug charges involving excessive amounts of ecstasy. His almost unparalleled degree of experience in federal drug crimes has earned him a reputation for success. To schedule a consultation with Mr. Dudley, contact us today.

Ecstasy (MDMA) is a manufactured drug chemically resembling the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline. The illegal drug is psychoactive or mind altering.

MDMA causes psychological and physical changes in a person and is labeled by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule I substance. Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse, are available for research only, and have no approved medical use according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Psychological effects of Ecstasy

The psychological effects of Ecstasy include feeling:

• Increased energy
• Euphoria
• Emotional warmth or connection to others
• Empathy
• Distortion in sense of time, perception and touch
• Severe anxiety

The drug has the potential to be psychologically addictive.

Physical Effects of Ecstasy

Ecstasy affects the brain by changing how the presence of the neurotransmitter serotonin is prolonged in the tissue between brain cells. Animal research has shown that Ecstasy can harm the brain. Exposure to Ecstasy for only four days in nonhuman primates damaged serotonin nerve terminals that could still be seen six to seven years later.

The drug’s physical effects include:

• Depression
• Confusion
• Drug craving
• Memory problems
• Effect on cognitive abilities
• Withdrawal symptoms

Penalties for Ecstasy Use are Severe

The federal sentencing guidelines adopted in April 2001 for the use or distribution of Ecstasy are harsh. For example, a man from Monterey Park near Los Angeles pled guilty in February 2012 to federal drug trafficking charges and admitted he was responsible for the distribution of hundreds of thousands of Ecstasy pills in only a few months. Last year he also pled guilty to trafficking of Ecstasy, the manufacturing of methamphetamine, and possessing a custom-made assault rifle. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison.

“Ecstasy use, particularly by our teens and youth, has continued to increase during the past ten years,” according to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Landrum. Landrum was quoted in a February 2012 news release from the DEA. “Today’s sentencing sends a message to those who prey on our communities by manufacturing and distributing these dangerous drugs. DEA and our law enforcement partners will not rest until these criminals are no longer able to prey on our communities.”

If you or someone you love is facing drug charges involving Ecstasy, you will need the help of an experienced and aggressive federal drug crimes lawyer who will do everything in his power to minimize your penalties. To schedule a consultation with an attorney who has the experience, the determination and the resources you need, contact David M. Dudley today.  For more than 25 years, Mr. Dudley’s law practice has taken him across the country, representing individuals facing major criminal allegations in 36 different states, handling cases in both the trial and appellate courts, state and federal. Mr. Dudley can help you fight back against the ecstasy possession charge or any other drug charge. Experience counts.