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Drug Crackdowns After Ecstasy Overdose Deaths

Posted by Lynn Gorelick | Dec 06, 2016 | 0 Comments

Ecstasy is a popular drug among fans of the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. Many do not think of Ecstasy as a dangerous drug; however, the number of ecstasy overdose deaths at dance parties this year may make users and dealers rethink the dangers associated with the drug. According to a county coroner, three young partygoers died from Ecstasy overdoses at a music festival in Southern California.

Three young people attending the Hard Summer rave in Fontana, California over the summer died from Ecstasy overdoses. The company behind Hard Summer is Insomniac, the Los Angeles-based company that is also responsible for the upcoming Audio on the Bay, to be held in Richmond in January.

One of those who died from an overdose during the summer festival was Alyssa Dominguez, 21. According to her friends, Dominguez had taken two doses of Ecstasy, at about 5 p.m., and again at about 9 p.m. Her friends said she seemed fine until about 1:30 a.m. The group was waiting in traffic to leave the festival when Dominguez became agitated. Her friends said she was rambling incoherently, then she suddenly started making gurgling sounds and became unresponsive.

The friends called for paramedics when they saw she had no pulse. She was taken to a medical center and was pronounced dead shortly after. Roxanne Ngo, 22, and Derek Lee, 22-years-old, from San Francisco also died from Ecstasy overdoses, according to the San Bernardino County Coroner's Office.

In June, a 24-year-old man from San Francisco died from a fatal Ecstasy dose while attending the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas. According to an L.A. Times investigation, at least 29 people who attended raves organized by Los Angeles-area companies have died in drug-related deaths.

Ecstasy, also known as E or MDMA, is a psychoactive drug used primarily as a recreational drug. The effects can last for several hours, with the desired effects including heightened sensations, empathy, and euphoria. However, there are a number of potential short-term and long-term adverse effects to using the drug, including paranoia, dehydration, and hyperthermia. Overdoses can lead to respiratory distress, renal failure, cardiovascular problems, and even death.

Ecstasy is classified as a Schedule I drug by the DEA for having a high potential for abuse with no currently accepted medical uses. Under California law, possession of Ecstasy for personal use is generally treated as a misdemeanor, with up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Possession for sale is a felony and can lead to up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Young people convicted of drug crimes may also lose financial aid eligibility and face university sanctions.

In recent years, there has been a trend towards charging those responsible for providing drugs with additional charges in the event of an overdose. Earlier this year, a doctor in Southern California was sentenced to 30 years in prison for recklessly prescribing opioids that lead to her patient's overdose death.

At the Gorelick Law Offices, attorney Lynn Gorelick has dedicated her legal career to defending individuals charged with drug offenses in the East Bay. With more than 30 years of experience, Lynn Gorelick understands how a drug conviction can affect a young person's future. If you are possession or distribution charges, contact the local East Bay drug defense attorney who understands that you do not have to plead guilty just because you were arrested.

About the Author

Lynn Gorelick

Lynn Gorelick has been an attorney for over 38 years. She is the Attorney Lynn Gorelick is the Immediate Past President of the California DUI Lawyers Association and a Faculty and Sustaining member of the National College of DUI Defense. Lynn is a Specialist Member of the California DUI Lawyers Association and lectures frequently to other attorneys regarding DUI and DMV issues.

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