Denton Criminal Lawyers

What Is Date Rape?

Date rape is a serious crime and carries with it serious consequences. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), about 70% of rapes are committed by someone the woman knows, and over half of all women who have been raped have been drinking or using drugs beforehand. Additionally, almost 70% of college-aged women report that they have at some point had sex as a direct result of alcohol consumption. While alcohol itself is usually not considered a date-rape drug, it's important to understand that these sorts of statistics make it vital to know what date rape is.

One of the most common forms of date rape is drug-assisted rape, in which the assailant uses drugs to alter the consciousness of the victim, or the victim’s ability to defend him or herself. The most popular drugs for this are Rohypnol (commonly called “roofies”) and Ketamine. They are difficult to detect and their effects are similar to those of serious alcohol consumption: loss of muscle control, relaxation, sleepiness, etc. Fortunately, the newest generation of these drugs has been designed to change the color of alcohol to alert people to their presence in the drink.

If you have had sex with someone without being given consent, or if consent was given only under duress, then you have committed rape. It is a very serious offense and the punishments are equally grave. In Texas, sexual assault can have a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, and it can destroy your credibility and good name.

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Not everyone who has been accused of rape is guilty. If you have been charged with date rape, contact the Denton criminal lawyers of Alexander & Associates by calling 972-420-6560 today.