What is MDMA?

According to Washington's Uniform Controlled Substance Act (UCSA), charges involving certain drugs are more serious than others. However, the majority of drug crimes in the state can be charged as felonies even if the drug is not believed to be addictive or extremely dangerous. One drug that has become popular in recent years is known as MDMA. MDMA is the abbreviation for the chemical substance 3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine and is also known as Ecstasy or Molly. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, MDMA is a synthetic psychoactive drug that has properties of both a hallucinogen and a stimulant. Traditionally, these drugs have been known as club or rave drugs because of their common use in dance clubs, but recently authorities have noticed recreational use has been on the rise.

Because these drugs have not been found to be as addictive or as damaging as drugs such as heroin, cocaine or methamphetamine, some do not understand the legal implications of possessing, using or selling substances such as MDMA. The truth is, most crimes involving club drugs are still felony offenses. If you or your child has been arrested for a drug crime involving Ecstasy, Molly or MDMA, it is vital that you contact an experienced Washington VUCSA defense attorney.

Washington MDMA Laws Explained

Under the UCSA, all controlled substances are classified in one of five schedules of drugs based on a variety of factors. According to RCW 69.50.204, MDMA meets the requirements of a Schedule I drug. The law states that there are 3 tests used to determine if a substance can be classified as Schedule I. They are as follows:

(1) It has high potential for abuse;

(2) It has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and

(3) It lacks accepted safety for use in treatment under medical supervision.

Using these tests, many other serious drugs are also classified under Schedule I including heroin. Because of this, even a casual user can face serious penalties for a crime involving MDMA. When facing any type of MDMA drug charge in Seattle, it is vital that you call an experienced attorney right away.

Seattle MDMA Criminal Charges

Under Washington's UCSA, there are a number of prohibited acts involving controlled substances, a number of them relate to prescription drugs and pharmacies. The most common charges that occur when Ecstasy or MDMA is involved are the following:

• Possession of MDMA – Possession of any controlled substance without a valid prescription aside from a small amount of marijuana is a felony offense in Washington under RCW 69.50.4013.
• The sale of MDMA for profit - Under RCW 69.50.410, this includes distributing the drug in exchange for anything of any value. The exchange does not even have to happen at the same time and there is no minimum amount required.
• The manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver of MDMA - RCW 69.50.401 covers any other drug related crime from those that create the drug to intermediaries of a drug sale.

Washington MDMA Criminal Penalties

Like most drug crimes in Seattle, the above offenses involving MDMA, Ecstasy, Molly and similar drugs are most often felony crimes. In Washington, there are three classes of felony crimes: A, B and C. Class A felonies carry the steepest sentencing guidelines and Class C felonies carry the lightest. Still ,any felony crime should be taken very seriously as a conviction on your record can affect your ability to get a job, be accepted into school and even get bank loans and housing.

MDMA drug crimes are Class C felonies are can result in the following maximum penalties as described in RCW 9A.20.021:

• Confinement in a state correctional institution for five years OR
• A fine in an amount fixed by the court of ten thousand dollars OR
• Both such confinement and fine

Because of the seriousness of these penalties, even an offense that involves possession of one or two pills can lead to many years of prison and a felony conviction on your record! That is why it is so important to fight your charges with the aid of a VUCSA attorney.

MDMA Drug Charges Defense in Seattle

The good news is that a drug crime arrest does not automatically mean that you will be found guilty. Even if you feel that you are guilty of your charges, there is still a lot that an experienced lawyer can do for you. With the right defense, you may be able to fight your charges and obtain a not guilty verdict, reduced charges or suspended sentencing allowing you to avoid jail time and a felony conviction. In many drug cases the strongest evidence against you is the drug itself. If your attorney is able to question the procedures used by police to obtain the evidence, they may be able to prevent it from being used against you in court.

For more information about your defense options and what a lawyer can do for you, contact The Law Offices of Steve Karimi today. You can request a free consultation to speak with attorney Karimi and to allow him to explain how his experience as a prosecutor for Washington State will help you fight your VUCSA drug MDMA charges.