Legal Topics > Criminal Law and Police > Personal Crimes > Sexual Abuse - Criminal

Date Rape Lawyers

LegalMatch Law Library Managing Editor, Ken LaMance, Attorney at Law

What is Date Rape?

Date rape is unlawful sexual intercourse committed during a social engagement between the rapist and victim. Force may or may not be present. Date rape can occur where the victim has been drugged so as to impair his or her judgment and ability to consent.

Common Date Rape Drugs

Below is a list of common date rape drugs. All of these drugs are difficult to detect and are commonly slipped into drinks:

Rohypnol: also referred to as "roofies"
- Rohypnol is tasteless, colorless, and odorless and comes in pill form. It can be crushed into drinks and dissolves quickly
- While not approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, Rohypnol is available in South America, Asia and Europe as a treatment for insomnia. it is commonly available on the street in the United States
- Rohypnol is detectable in the blood stream for 24 hours and in urine for 48 hours
Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB): also called "liquid ecstasy"
- GHB is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless liquid drug
- GHB is an illegal drug
Ketamine Hydrochloride: or "Special K"
- Ketamine is a legal liquid drug sold as a veterinary sedative
- Ketamine is detectable in the system up to 48 hours depending upon the method of ingestion

What Can You Do if You Have Been or Think You Have Been Date Raped?

Contact the authorities and go to a medical doctor immediately. Medical centers can preserve evidence of rape. Traces of date rape drugs disappear quickly from the body so it is important to get medical attention immediately.