Charged with Molly or Ecstasy Possession? What Rave and Festival Arrests Often Miss

Raves, music festivals, and electronic dance music (EDM) events are meant to be places of fun, freedom, and self-expression. But for some attendees, the night can take a serious turn if they are arrested for drug possession—particularly for substances like Molly (MDMA) or Ecstasy. In Georgia, these charges carry stiff penalties, but many festival-related arrests overlook key legal details that can make or break your defense.

If you or someone you know has been arrested at a rave or music festival in Georgia, it’s critical to understand what’s at stake—and what law enforcement may have missed. That is what The Spizman Firm is here for.

Possession of MDMA in Georgia Is a Felony

MDMA, the chemical name for Molly or Ecstasy, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under Georgia law. That means it’s considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Possession—even in small amounts—can lead to felony charges, carrying 1 to 15 years in prison for a first offense and even more for subsequent arrests.

But not all arrests are straightforward. Many festival cases involve questionable search tactics, mistaken identity, or lack of probable cause—all things an experienced criminal defense attorney will investigate.

Common Law Enforcement Mistakes at Raves and Festivals

In the chaos of large crowds, loud music, and poor lighting, officers often rely on quick assumptions and group arrests. Here are a few problems we commonly see in MDMA possession cases from music events:

• Unlawful Searches and Seizures: Officers often search bags, pockets, or vehicles without consent or a warrant. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, the evidence may be inadmissible.
• Constructive Possession Issues: Drugs found on the ground or in a shared area (like a tent or hotel room) don’t automatically mean they belong to you. Prosecutors must prove you had knowledge and control over the substance.
• Insufficient Lab Testing: Some arrests are made based on visual identification or field tests, which are notoriously unreliable. Without certified lab results confirming the substance was MDMA, the case could fall apart.
• Overcharging: You might be charged with possession with intent to distribute just for carrying multiple doses, even if they were for personal use. This significantly increases the potential penalties and should be challenged aggressively.

Defending Your Rights After a Festival Arrest

The circumstances of music festivals are unique—and so is your defense. Our skilled Atlanta criminal defense lawyers will examine the details of your arrest, challenge the legality of the stop and search, and push back against exaggerated charges. With the right strategy, it’s often possible to get charges reduced, dismissed, or diverted through alternative sentencing programs.

Facing MDMA possession charges doesn’t mean your future is over. It means you need a strong advocate in your corner. At The Spizman Firm, we understand the stakes and the unique nature of festival arrests. We proudly serve clients across Georgia, including Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Source:

dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling