Penalties for Ecstasy Possession in Illinois

 Posted on November 07, 2019 in Drug Charges

Ecstasy is often known as a party drug, but it is a substance that is illegal under Illinois’ drug laws. It also carries some of the harshest penalties for those convicted. The drug was blamed for causing an epidemic in Illinois in 2002, as it was said to have been responsible for a number of teenage deaths. It has also been called a growing threat to youth all around the country. It is because ecstasy is considered so dangerous that law enforcement and the prosecution here in Illinois take it so seriously.

Anyone accused of ecstasy possession should understand what penalties they are facing if they are convicted, and the importance of speaking to an Illinois criminal defense lawyer.

What Is Ecstasy?

Today MDMA, the technical name for ecstasy, is on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Drugs appearing on this schedule are thought to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use.

However, ecstasy was not considered an illegal drug until the 1980s. Before that time, psychiatrists used the drug when treating patients, although it had not yet been tested or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Since ecstasy has been banned throughout Illinois and the rest of the United States, it has become a very popular street drug.

Penalties for Ecstasy Possession in Illinois

Possessing any amount of ecstasy in Illinois is illegal. Like all drugs, the penalties associated with possessing the drug will depend on how much of the drug a person has in their possession.

The only ecstasy possession charge that is a Class 4 felony is possession of one to 15 tablets. The penalty for this charge for individuals convicted is one to three years in jail.

All other penalties for ecstasy possession are considered Class 1 felonies. Possessing 15 to 200 tablets carries a minimum sentence of four to 15 years in jail while possessing 200 to 600 tablets has a penalty of six to 30 years for individuals that are convicted.

Individuals found with 600 to 1,500 tablets of ecstasy face eight to 40 years in prison. Any amount of ecstasy in excess of 1,500 tables carries a minimum mandatory sentence of ten to 50 years in prison. When a person is found with more than 1,500 tablets of ecstasy in their possession, they may also face distribution charges.

These penalties will increase if the person accused has a prior conviction, or if they were found in possession of ecstasy near a school or place of worship. Individuals that are in possession of ecstasy while a crime was being committed or that had a firearm on them at the time of arrest may also face increased penalties if they are arrested.

Need Help With Your Ecstasy Charges? Call Our Illinois Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with ecstasy possession, you need the help of an experienced Rolling Meadows criminal defense lawyer. At the Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley, our defense attorney knows how to defend against ecstasy possession and other drug charges to give you the best chance of holding on to your freedom. Call us today at 847-394-3200 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation so we can start preparing your defense today.

Source:

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-107hhrg88329/html/CHRG-107hhrg88329.htm