Date Rape Drugs and Sex Crimes

When date rape drugs were introduced into society, rapes became easier to commit. The effects of the drugs can create a haze of intoxication often leaving the victim unaware of the fact that they have been violated. Sexual assault is a criminal offense regardless of whether the victim was under the influence of a drug or not. There are precautionary measures one can take to prevent being victimized by a date rape drug which include:

• If you are at a party, do not accept drinks (alcoholic or non) from people you do not know or trust.
• At parties, only accept drinks that are in closed containers
• Do not leave your drink unattended. Someone could slip something in it while you are away or not looking
• Get your drink directly from a bartender if you are in a bar or club, don't use a waitress or someone else to get the drink for you
• Stay away from open pitchers, tubs or punch bowls, anyone of them could be spiked with drugs
• Be aware of your immediate environment and observe what is happening around you. If you see a friend experiencing excessive intoxication that seems out of place for what they drank, or if you notice yourself feeling this way, take note and leave the party with some help.

A New Defense in North America

A new product has been approved for use in North America; it's a simple, inexpensive testing kit that can detect date rape drugs in drinks. It is called "Drink Safe Technology" and is a package of testing strips or coasters. The strips and coasters will change colors if they come in contact with a date rape drug and can be used quickly and discreetly. The above actions can all prevent date rape and are worth putting to use.

Legal Advice Is Vital

If you have been accused or charged with a sex crime in the Chicago area, you should contact a Chicago criminal defense attorney in our office as quickly as possible. Sex crimes are serious offenses in Illinois if you don't act quickly, you could wind up being registered as a sex offender and this label can be very difficult to remove.

A sex crime conviction can create future difficulties in obtaining work and future residence regardless of whether the accusation was valid or not. At the Law Offices of Michael P. Schmiege, we have experience and success in handling sex crime cases and we know how to compile a compelling defense. Let us put our outstanding defense skills to work for you if you've been accused or charged with a sex crime.

Contact a Chicago sex crime defense attorney in our office to arrange a free consultation and we will review the details of your case in confidence.