As drug trends develop, it seems offenders have become more interested in artificial psychoactive substances over time. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine–also referred to as MDMA, Ecstasy, or Molly—is a psychotropic drug that is often used recreationally. The drug is illegal under Florida law, but that hasn’t slowed the trend of MDMA usage. In fact, it was recorded in 2016 that 21 million people used the drug between the ages of 15 and 64.
Possession of molly in any capacity is illegal according to Florida law. The drug has no place in medicine, so the penalties for possessing it can be exceedingly harsh. If you’re convicted, you should expect to pay steep fines and spend a considerable amount of time in prison. For these reasons and more, we highly encourage you to seek legal counsel if you’ve been arrested for possession of MDMA.
Drug Defense Lawyer for Molly Possession in Brooksville, FL
MDMA or ecstasy is often associated with concerts, raves, and other events. Most people charged with ecstasy possession are not drug offenders, but simply used the drug to have a good time. Unfortunately, the state of Florida isn’t very forgiving when it comes to possession of illegal substances. You could face a felony charge if you’re accused of MDMA possession
That is why it’s within your best interest to obtain legal representation such as The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A.. Ashley Aulls and his legal team have assisted numerous people facing drug charges. He can apply his decades-worth of criminal law and courtroom knowledge to your case. Call The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. at (352) 593-4115 to set up your first consultation.
The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. accepts clients in the greater Brooksville and Hernando County area as well as other communities such as Spring Hill, Bayport, Ridge Manor, Weeki Wachee Gardens, High Point, Homosassa, Lecanto, Hernando, Beverly Hills, Inverness, Bushnell, Wildwood, and Coleman.
Information Center:
- Is Ecstasy Illegal in the U.S.?
- Charges for Possession of Molly in Florida
- Penalties for Selling Ecstasy in Florida
- Additional Resources
Is Ecstasy Illegal in the U.S.?
The short answer is yes, MDMA or ecstasy is illegal under federal and state law. However, it wasn’t always illegal. The drug was first developed in 1912 by the Merck Group, which is a German multinational science and technology company founded in 1668. The drug was popular in the 70’s for psychotherapy, but became common on the streets by the 1980’s. It was declared an illegal substance in 1985 by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Molly is considered an extremely addictive hallucinogenic substance. It’s hardly used in medicine, with the exception of psychotherapy treatments in the 70’s. Because of this, the state of Florida has defined it as a Schedule I substance. That means possessing even trace amounts of the drug can result in felony charges.
Charges for Possession of Molly in Florida
Similar to other drug possession charges, you can be in actual or constructive possession of MDMA. You’re in actual possession if you have the drug on your person. That could include having the ecstasy in your pocket, purse, or hidden in your clothes. Constructive possession, on the other hand, is a little more complicated.
You can be charged with constructive possession if the MDMA is within your dominion or control. Your dominion would be anything you have the right to control or possess. That can include your home, car, or any other place/area you have control over. If it’s within your control, that means you had complete access to the drug at any time.
For example, a drug is within your control if you put it in a locked safe. Since the safe belongs to you and no one but you have the code, it would be considered in your control.
Actual or constructive possession of MDMA is a third-degree felony in Florida punishable by:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- A fine of up to $5,000
- Probation for up to 5 years
You’ll also automatically have your license suspended for six months upon conviction.
Ecstasy Trafficking in Florida
It’s important to understand that MDMA has a trafficking threshold that’s considered relatively low. In Florida possession of 10 grams or more of molly is considered a drug trafficking offense. What’s important about this is that the weight for this reclassification is determined by how much the pills themselves weigh, not how much pure MDMA is contained in the pills.
Since ecstasy is commonly mixed with other substances, this can create a problem. You could be charged with drug trafficking MDMA even though the mixture you possess barely has any molly in it. The prosecution can still charge you because the pills do contain MDMA and they weight collectively more than 10 grams. If you’re charged with drug trafficking molly, then you could be subject to a minimum-mandatory prison sentence.
In Florida, trafficking MDMA is a second-degree felony punishable by:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Probation for 15 years
- License suspension for 6 months by DHSMV
Additional Resources
Jury Instructions for MDMA Possession – Visit the official website for the Florida Bar to read their standard criminal jury instructions regarding drug crimes. Access the actual document the jurors will have in front of them when they are deliberating your verdict.
What is MDMA? | National Institute on Drug Abuse – Visit the official website for NIH, which is the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Access the site to read more about MDMA as a synthetic drug, how it’s used, how it affects the brain, the long-term effects, and how to treat addiction.
MDMA Possession Attorney in Hernando County, FL
If you or someone you know has been arrested for MDMA possession, look no further than The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A.. Attorney Aulls has decades of drug defense experience he can utilize for your case. He knows what evidence can undermine the prosecution’s argument and how they should be executed. To set up your first consultation call The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. at (352) 593-4115 today.
The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. accepts clients throughout the greater Hernando County area including Citrus County and Sumter County, Florida.