Benzos or Date Rape Drug Crimes

Criminal Defense for Those in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Throughout Michigan Charged with Benzos or Date Rape Drug Crimes

Benzos, or benzodiazepines, is a class of drugs often referred to as date rape drugs because of their sedative and hypnotic properties. Some of these drugs include Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan) and Alprazolam (Xanax). While this is certainly not the only type of date rape drug used to cause a sedative or amnesia effect in an intended victim, it is one of the most common. These drugs are frequently added to a person's drink while at a bar, but can also be added to food. If you have been accused of or arrested for a crime involving Benzos or other date rape drugs, it is imperative that you contact the Michigan drug crime attorneys at Grabel & Associates right away.

Other common drugs used to render an intended victim groggy or barely conscious include Rohypnol and GHB, or Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid. Referred to on the street as "roofies," (Rohypnol), Fantasy, Liquid X or Liquid Ecstasy (GHB); the use of these drugs for the purpose of sexually engaging with a person who is incapacitated can leave you facing extremely serious consequences. Not only may you face charges for possession, distribution or manufacturing of the date rape drug, you may also face sex crime charges. Essentially, your problems are compounded.

Facts About Date Rape Crimes

Unlike "stranger rape," date rape crimes can be committed against an individual the perpetrator has known for a few hours, or even against a spouse or long-time partner. Because these types of cases are frequently unclear about what actually took place and come down to whether the alleged perpetrator or the victim is more credible, they can be difficult to defend. This is why it is imperative that you seek out the services of an experienced, capable Michigan date rape defense lawyer.

Common Date Rape Drugs

Any drug that renders the victim groggy, nearly unconscious or sedated can be considered a date rape drug. Benzos (tranquilizers) are typically prescribed to treat insomnia, anxiety, and other nervous conditions. These drugs, as mentioned previously, include but are not limited to Ativan, Valium, Xanax, and Librium. The most commonly used Benzos in date rape crimes is flunitrazepam, or Rohypnol. This drug has no smell or taste, so is easily slipped into someone's food or drink in order to produce the desired sedative effect. In many cases, after the drug wears off the victim suffers symptoms similar to amnesia, and cannot remember what happened.

Michigan Penalties for Possession or Possession with Intent of Benzos or Other Date Rape Drugs

Drugs classified as Benzos (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Rohypnol, etc.) are considered Schedule IV substances in Michigan. These substances are considered to have limited risks in terms of addiction and/or abuse. Depending on the type and amount of drug you are caught with, penalties will vary and will likely include substantial fines and prison time if convicted.

If you are found to have possessed drugs classified as Benzos with the intent to distribute, sell, or deliver those drugs, you could be imprisoned for up to four years, and required to pay fines of up to $2,000. If the date rape drug involved is GHB (Gamma-butyrolactone), the penalties are more severe because it is considered a very dangerous drug. You may be sentenced to up to seven years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, or both.

Keep in mind that if Benzos is used in an effort to incapacitate an intended victim for sexual purposes, you could face additional charges should the alleged victim file a claim. For example, if the prosecuting attorney charges you with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, you could face life in prison.

Ultimately, individuals who are charged with possession or possession with intent of a date rape drug will face a separate charge and subsequent sentencing for any sex crime committed while the alleged victim was incapacitated due to unknowingly consuming the drug.

Consult With an Aggressive Michigan Date Rape Drug Attorney Today

At Grabel & Associates, we realize that innocent people are accused of crimes they did not commit every day. Whether you have been accused of date rape by someone who has malicious intentions, or have been arrested for an offense related to Benzos or another date rape drug, you must obtain the services of a trusted lawyer. We will work vigorously to keep you out of jail, and protect your legal rights and reputation. Throughout Michigan, we are known as one of the most highly successful drug crime defense law firms, because of the results we secure for our clients.

Call our toll-free number today at 1-800-342-7896 for a free initial consultation with our experienced case analyst. We are available 24/7, so contact us now for unparalleled legal support and guidance.