Possession of Rohypnol: A Criminal Case

Drug possession is a hefty criminal charge.  If one is convicted of the charge, one can face significant jail time and the curtailing of one’s civil rights.  Conviction for a charge of possession of the date rape drug known as “rohypnol” can result in an even more substantial penalty.

What is Rohypnol?

Rohypnol is also known by the pharmaceutical name of flunitraxepam.  Rohypnol is a works as a chemical depressant when ingested.  The drug is typically undetected, as it is colorless and tasteless; as a result, the drug has received national scrutiny as a “date rape” drug because offenders have slipped the drug into unsuspecting victims’ drinks in order to reduce the victims’ ability to fight back against the attacker.  Rohypnol has the following effects:

• drowsiness
• confusion
• impaired motor skills
• disorientation
• unconsciousness
• slurred speech
• impaired judgment
• dizziness
• disinhibition

Rohypnol is known by the following popular names:

• roofies
• ruffies
• ruffles
• ruphy
• rophy
• rope
• R2
• Lunch money
• roaches

Laws for Possession of Rohypnol

Every state has different laws pertaining to the possession of rohypnol.  However, since rohyypnol is affiliated with date rape, states typically treat possession of the drug with heightened penalties. Usually, possession of rohypnol constitutes a felony offense.  In addition, possession of the drug can result in a penalty of imprisonment of up to five years per each offense, as well as a monetary penalty of up to $100,000.00 in the most egregious instances.

In addition, under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, possession of rohypnol is illegal.  Pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act, the mere possession of rohypnol can result in three years in prison along with a significant fine.

Always Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If one has been charged with possession of rohypnol, one should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney with experience in handling drug cases.  An experienced criminal defense lawyer can not only review one’s case to determine what options one may have, but also a defense attorney with rohypnol experience can assist in providing one with a zealous defense in order to achieve the most beneficial outcome in the circumstances.  Furthermore, drug possession cases involve complex legal issues; as a result, it is crucial to have a skilled attorney provide representation on one’s behalf in order to preserve one’s rights and protect one’s interests throughout the pendency of the matter.  Finally, a seasoned criminal defense attorney is likely to have contacts in the jurisdiction’s criminal justice system.  These contacts may serve to assist if the attorney will seek a plea bargain on one’s behalf, should the circumstances demand that a plea bargain be sought.