Baltimore Lawyer for MDMA Possession + Distribution

Baltimore Crimianl Defense Lawyers

It is a crime to possess or distribute MDMA (also known as ecstasy, molly, and E) in Maryland. MDMA is a Schedule I drug according to Maryland’s drug classification schedule, which means that a first offense for possessing it is a felony that can result in a jail term up to 20 years and a fine of up to $25,000, or both. Anyone is susceptible to legal consequences if they possess or distribute MDMA in Baltimore.

Baltimore residents who have been charged with possession and distribution of MDMA should get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help people who have been charged with possession and distribution of MDMA by ensuring that the evidence used against them is suitable and helping them craft a defense. The MDMA possession and distribution lawyers that work with Rice, Murtha, & Psoras are available to help Baltimore residents with their charges. Get in touch with them soon to discuss your future. Call (410) 431-0911.

Understanding MDMA Possession Laws in Baltimore

MDMA is the street name for methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, a synthetic drug that produces feelings of pleasure, emotional warmth, and sensory stimulation by increasing levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. It may also be referred to as ecstasy, molly, E, or X. MDMA is the name of the drug compound itself, while ecstasy is the name of the drug in pill form; the terms may be used interchangeably, though.

MDMA has become more popular in recent years, especially among young people. In Maryland, MDMA is considered to be a hallucinogenic. It is often combined with other substances to either dilute the effects of the drug or to create a heightened experience for the user.

MDMA and Drug Schedule Classifications in Baltimore

In Maryland, like in most other states in the United States, drugs are classified by Schedules. These schedules determine the penalties that crimes of possession and distribution for each type of drug receives. MDMA is a schedule I drug in Maryland. This schedule of drugs is considered to have the highest risk of abuse and dependency. Other drugs in this class include marijuana, heroin, and LSD (marijuana, though, is treated differently than other Schedule I drugs within Maryland). The higher the number of classifications, the more potential there is for abuse.

The other schedules of drugs that are recognized by the State of Maryland are:

  • Schedule II – Schedule II drugs are those that have a high risk of physical and psychological abuse but may have be useful in a medical context. This schedule includes cocaine, opium, and methamphetamines, as well as prescription drugs such as Vicodin, Oxycodone, Ritalin, and Adderall.
  • Schedule III – This schedule of drugs is for those that have medical uses and can be accessed through a prescription from a doctor but still carry a high risk of dependency and abuse. Drugs in this schedule include codeine, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and Suboxone.
  • Schedule IV – These substances present a lower risk of abuse but are usually medically approved. Schedule IV drugs include Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and Ambien.
  • Schedule V – Schedule V substances are those that have a low risk of abuse and dependency and are available over-the-counter. These include cough suppressants and pain medications.

Penalties for MDMA Possession and Distribution in Baltimore

The penalties for possessing Schedule I and Schedule II drugs are the same in the State of Maryland, though the severity depends on the number of prior offenses. These penalties for possessing MDMA and other Schedule I and Schedule II substances in Baltimore include:

  • First offense – A first offense of possessing a Schedule I or Schedule II drug in Maryland can carry a penalty of a jail sentence lasting up to 20 years, a fine up to $25,000, or both.
  • Second offense – A second offense of possessing a Schedule I or Schedule II drug in Maryland can carry a penalty of a jail sentence lasting up to 10 years, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
  • Third offense – A third offense of possessing a Schedule I or Schedule II drug in Maryland can carry a penalty of a jail sentence lasting up to 25 years or a fine of up to $100,000.
  • Fourth or subsequent offense – A fourth offense of possessing a Schedule I or Schedule II drug in Maryland can carry a penalty of a jail sentence lasting up to 40 years or a fine of up to $100,000.

Penalties for possession and intent to distribute MDMA are more severe than just possessing it. The penalties for possession with intent to distribute MDMA in Maryland include:

  • First offense – Up to 20 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.
  • Second offense – Up to 10 years in jail.
  • Third offense – Up to 25 years in jail.
  • Fourth or subsequent offense – Up to 40 years in jail.

Baltimore Lawyer Available for MDMA Possession + Distribution Defense

It’s in your best interest to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible if you have been charged with possession and distribution of MDMA in Maryland. Know that the services of the Baltimore MDMA possession and distribution lawyers from Rice, Murtha, & Psoras are available to you. Call our Maryland criminal defense lawyers at (410) 431-0911 at your earliest convenience to schedule a free consultation to discuss your future.