DUI Involving Ecstasy (MDMA) in Virginia
June 25, 2019
When a person is under the influence of drugs and gets behind the wheel, he or she is at risk of being charged with a Virginia DUI. This includes when a person uses the drug ecstasy. The drug can have serious effects on a person's ability to drive safely and legally.
What Is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is scientifically known as 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). It is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. It is chemically similar to other forms of stimulants and hallucinogens.
Ecstasy is extremely popular in nightclubs, dances, and parties (including dance parties known as raves). The drug, however, is popular in many other places and during many other types of events.
How Is Ecstasy Used in Virginia?
MDMA is usually taken orally in the form of a pill, tablet, or capsule. The person usually places it on his or her tongue, lets it dissolve, and swallows it.
The drug can also be consumed in liquid form or snorted after being smashed into a powder.
In rare cases, ecstasy may be injected by the user.
Nicknames for Ecstasy
There are common nicknames by which this drug usually goes, including but not limited to:
X
E
Candy
Happy Pill
Molly
Scooby Snacks
Vitamin E
Vitamin X
E-Bomb.
How It Affects the Brain & Your Ability to Drive in Virginia
MDMA affects three primary chemicals in the brain:
Dopamine, which produces energy and activity in the brain and acts as the reward system;
Norepinephrine, which increases heart rate and blood pressure; and
Serotonin, which affects appetite, mood, sleep, sexual arousal, trust, happiness.
MDMA can have a major effect on a person's ability to think clearly and interact with his or her surroundings.
Effects of Mdma on The Body
The effects of ecstasy last about 3 to 6 hours and users typically take second doses to continue the high.
Ecstasy can cause:
changed sensations to color, touch, and emotion
hallucinations
euphoria
feelings of joy
confusion
anxiety
memory and attention problems
irritability and aggression
impulsiveness
heart attack.
Defending Your Drug DUI Case
Just because you are charged with a DUI does not mean you will be found guilty. You can defend your case with the help of an experienced Virginia DUI defense attorney. With your attorney's help, you can present defenses such as but not limited to:
Challenging field sobriety tests: Field sobriety tests are not accurate and are the only way to test for drug intoxication on the side of the road.
Challenging blood tests: Blood tests are used to determine the amount of a drug in a person's system at the time of the arrest. The handling of blood samples and testing are very specific and any deviation to the rules can be cause for inadmissible test results.
File a Suppression Motion: Under certain circumstances, evidence that is collected in violation of the Constitution can be kept out of evidence through a suppression motion. This can cause your charges to be reduced or even dismissed.
Contact an Experienced Virginia DUI Attorney
A drug DUI charge can be extremely serious. With the help of an experienced Virginia DUI attorney at your side, your rights will be defended. To protect your constitutional rights, you need Virginia DUI attorney Bryan J. Jones to defend your case.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case.