How Often Are Drugs and Alcohol Used in Sex Crimes?

by Ambrosio Rodriguez | Sep 14, 2023 | Sex Crimes
How Often Are Drugs and Alcohol Used in Sex Crimes?

Prosecutors and law enforcement take a heavy hand against sex crime offenders, and civil law provisions allow victims to sue for damages. But not all who are charged with a sex crime are guilty. In fact, many are not. 

What is true about those who are actually guilty is that a large portion of them were under the influence of drugs or alcohol while committing their crimes. 

Sober individuals may also use drugs and alcohol to facilitate a sex crime but not ingest any substances themselves. Sex crimes that occur under these types of circumstances are viewed as highly culpable since there is no substance clouding the mind. 

Regardless of whether you were drunk or sober, if you are charged with a sex crime, you need a vigorous defense to safeguard your rights and liberties. 

Reports on Alcohol and Drug Use and Sex Crimes

Over the past few decades, society has become more enlightened regarding sex crimes. Activities that were once tolerated are now considered sexual assault or at least sexual harassment. This change in tolerance of sex crimes has led to the commissioning of many reports and studies, all of which demonstrate sobering facts about sex crimes in America. 

Consumption of Drugs and Alcohol By the Perpetrator

Most studies you read on sex crimes in this state and country will quickly state that alcohol and drugs fuel many of them. 

According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information, roughly 60-65% of 900+ women in the study experienced a sex crime by someone who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

The article also says that when a perpetrator was on drugs or had been drinking, they were more likely to use force to carry out the crime, which means a higher chance of a completed sex crime. 

Use of Drugs and Alcohol Against the Victim

Drug-facilitated sex crimes or sexual assault include the use of drugs or alcohol to aid in the carrying out of a sex crime. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), alcohol remains the most commonly used substance to facilitate sex crimes. 

Common drugs used in sex crimes include:

  • Rohypnol: A schedule IV nervous system depressant that was never approved for medical use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB): A schedule I controlled substance that produces euphoria and depresses the central nervous system 
  • Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL): This powerful precursor to GHB works just like GHB in the body because the body transforms it into GHB after it has been ingested 
  • Ketamine: Ketamine is a schedule III drug that works as an anesthetic on humans and animals, causing a sense of detachment from one’s surroundings and can render someone incapable of warding off sexual attacks 

At the end of the day, any drug in certain amounts can render a person powerless against a sexual assault.

Potential Penalties for Sex Crime Charges

Whether drugs or alcohol were used or not, being charged with a sex crime exposes you to serious criminal and civil liability. If convicted, you could spend years in prison, depending on the circumstances of the case, and pay significant fines. 

Additionally, you may also be exposed to significant civil liability through a personal injury lawsuit. If you lose, you could be looking at serious financial liability. 

If you have been accused of a sex crime, search for an experienced sex crimes lawyer. A competent legal professional can potentially shield you from some or all of the liability that comes with a sex crime allegation.

Contact the Los Angeles Criminal Defense Law Firm of The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys Today For Help

For more information please contact the Los Angeles Criminal Defense law firm of The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation, give us a call at (213) 995-6767 or visit our convenient location:

The Rodriguez Law Group – Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
626 Wilshire Blvd Suite 460, Los Angeles, CA 90017, United States