Drug Use Milwaukee: Understanding Date Rape Drug Crime Charges

What is Rohypnol?

Rohypnol, or Flunitrazepam, was originally used to treat patients suffering from insomnia, however the FDA has not approved the drug for medical use, making it illegal in this country. Known as the “date rape drug” or as a “roofie” in slang, Rohypnol is most commonly associated with sex crimes such as sexual assault or rape.

Still legal in Mexico and Europe, small doses of Rohypnol are used effectively to treat insomnia and other sleep-related conditions. While the drug has been illegal in the U.S. since 1999, it is commonly smuggled into the country through various means of transportation.

Rohypnol can be taken orally and the effects begin to show 15-20 minutes after it has been ingested, lasting anywhere from 4-6 hours. Rohypnol hangovers can often persist throughout the next day if the drug was administered at night.

This drug is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and can be added to someone’s food or drink without them ever knowing. While the drug is often associated with sex crimes, such as rape, this is not always accurate. In some cases, people have been known to take Rohypnol willingly.

Effects of Rohypnol

Rohypnol is an incredibly potent drug that acts as a powerful sedative, muscle relaxant, and hypnotic. The drug also has the ability to reduce anxiety.

In some cases, mixing Rohypnol and alcohol can prove deadly. Due to the potency of the drug, it may cause some users to become comatose or even die if their body is unable to properly metabolize the drug.

Drug Charges

Charges for Rohypnol could fall under any of the following topics:

Drug possession
Drug distribution or trafficking
Drug Manufacturing

Simple possession of the “date rape drug” could result in up to 3 years in prison and a large fine. Distribution and use of the drug to cause harm to other people is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and large fines. Not only is possession a federal crime, but a crime at the state level as well.

A Lawyer Can Help

If you have been charged a Rohypnol related drug crime, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced attorney to protect your rights. When searching for an attorney, hire one that is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the fair trial that you deserve and work diligently to organize an aggressive defense on your behalf.

Champions of Change: Barbara Notestein – As part of the White House series Champions of Change: Reducing Drug Use and Building a Healthier America, Barbara Notestein discusses her role at Executive Director at Safe & Sound, a crime reduction initiative focusing its collaborative strategy of community mobilization, positive youth development and law enforcement on 21 neighborhoods in Milwaukee with the highest rates of crime. A significant priority is to prevent drug use and the demand that fuels the existence of drug houses, open air drug markets, drug trafficking and associated violent crime.

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