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Breckenridge Ecstasy Attorneys

Robust Defense for Breckenridge Ecstasy Cases

Colorado has passed harsh penalties for ecstasy that include serious jail time for selling, dispensing, making, or possessing the drug. If you or a loved one is having issues with drug abuse, you can contact Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for free and confidential assistance. The Here and Now Group offers regular meetings in Breckenridge.

At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, attorneys Kylie Whitaker and Ehren Penix have a firm understanding of Colorado drug laws and years of experience working with the local court system. We can provide you with a robust legal defense and advise you on the best legal strategy to get the charges against you dismissed or reduced.

Whitaker & Penix, LLC, has an A+ rating from the Colorado Better Business Bureau, and Kylie Whitaker was selected as a Colorado Rising Star by Super Lawyers.

Call (970) 368-0602 to schedule a FREE consultation with a Breckenridge drug crime lawyer today if you are facing ecstasy charges.

What Is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is a synthetic drug that acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. It's known for its ability to alter mood and perception, often producing feelings of increased energy, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception. The drug may be ingested in pill form but can also be taken as a powder or capsule. On the street, ecstasy is known by various names, including "Molly," "E," "X," and "Rolls."

Originally developed for therapeutic use, ecstasy has become popular in recreational settings, particularly at parties and clubs. However, the use of ecstasy is illegal due to its potential for abuse and addiction, as well as its harmful physical and psychological effects.

Ecstasy is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, indicating that it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Ecstasy may cause health issues, including severe dehydration, hyperthermia (overheating), and serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening.

Long-term use of ecstasy can lead to cognitive deficits, memory loss, and severe psychiatric issues, including depression and anxiety. Ecstasy is often mixed with other harmful substances, increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

Legal Penalties in Breckenridge for Ecstasy

Possession of ecstasy can lead to significant legal consequences. In Breckenridge, being found with even a small amount of ecstasy can result in charges that carry heavy penalties, including fines, probation, and up to a year in jail. The severity of the penalties may depend on factors such as the amount of ecstasy in possession, the individual's prior criminal record, and the circumstances of the arrest.

Possession of larger quantities can be interpreted as intent to distribute. Possession with intent to sell ecstasy is a felony that carries much stronger penalties than simple possession. Defendants may be facing up to 32 years in prison.

Selling or manufacturing ecstasy is also a felony. Giving away any amount of ecstasy to someone under 18 years old can result in a prison sentence between 8 and 32 years.

Aggravating factors significantly increase the severity of penalties for ecstasy-related charges in Breckenridge. These factors include possessing large quantities of the drug, evidence of sales to minors, and the presence of weapons during the offense.

Having a prior criminal history, especially if it's related to drug offenses, can lead to even harsher sentencing. Situations involving transportation across state lines or operating within a drug-free zone, such as near schools or public parks, also escalate the seriousness of the charges.

Common Legal Defenses Against Summit County Ecstasy Charges

One of the most effective defense strategies in ecstasy-related cases is challenging the legality of the search and seizure that led to the arrest. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement must follow strict rules when conducting searches. If the police conducted a search without a valid warrant, exceeded the scope of a warrant, or failed to establish probable cause, any evidence obtained during that search might be deemed inadmissible in court.

A Summit County criminal defense attorney from Whitaker & Penix, LLC, can review the chain of custody, the methods used by the testing laboratory, and any potential errors in the testing process. The procedures followed during the collection, storage, and analysis of the drug samples must adhere to strict protocols to ensure their reliability. Drug testing methods can sometimes yield false positives due to contamination, improper handling, or faulty testing equipment.

Assessing the reliability of witnesses is a crucial aspect of building an effective defense against ecstasy-related charges. Witnesses may include law enforcement officers, informants, or other individuals who claim to have observed illegal activities. An experienced attorney can thoroughly investigate each witness's background, motivations, and potential biases. This often uncovers inconsistencies in their statements, past criminal records, or personal vendettas that could compromise their testimony.

The defense can also challenge the conditions under which witness statements were obtained, such as coercion or improper interrogation techniques. Additional defense strategies may include lack of intent, mistaken identity, and entrapment.

Call Our Breckenridge Ecstasy Defense Lawyers

A conviction for felony drug charges can cost you your freedom, and it can also impact your gun rights, custody rights, immigration status, and other important aspects of your life. Talk to Whitaker & Penix, LLC, to learn more about your legal options.

Call (970) 368-0602 and schedule a FREE consultation today with one of our ecstasy defense attorneys in Breckenridge.