Registering As A Sex Offender In Texas: What You Need To Know

 Posted on November 28, 2024 in Criminal Defense

There are many fears associated with being convicted of a sex crime. Prison, fines, and the destruction of your reputation are probably weighing heavily on your mind. One issue that is unique to sex crimes is the public nature of the criminal activity due to the sex offender registry.

The sex offender registry is a publicly accessible database that shares your identity, address, and details of your conviction. At Barbieri Law Firm, we seek to safeguard the rights and reputations of our clients, and we know the extreme burden that the sex offender registry puts on people who are convicted.

This blog helps you understand the specifics of the sex offender registry and the importance of having competent representation to help keep you off it.

What Is The Sex Offender Registry?

In Texas, the sex offender registry is designed to keep track of registered sex offenders within the state and notify the public of their proximity to a registered sex offender. Both adult and juvenile sex offenders are required to register with their local law enforcement. You must still register as a sex offender even if you are moving to Texas for the first time and your conviction happened in another state, or even if you were in the military or overseas at the time of the offense.

Sex offender registration can be for life or it can be for up to ten years. In some cases, you can be issued an exemption from having to register.

The information collected and displayed includes the name and address of the offender, a color photograph of them, the details of their offense–including the age of the victim–their vehicle information, and any professional licenses or certifications they may possess. If you are required to register as a sex offender, you are required at all times to keep your information up-to-date.

If you are considered a high-risk sex offender, law enforcement might decide to mail your information to members of the local community, including households and businesses.

The sex offender registry publicly and permanently lists your conviction, allowing anyone, including friends and neighbors, to see the details. To protect your reputation, it's crucial to have experienced legal help. Being registered as a sex offender can lead to ongoing judgment and negative views from your community, and it can also make it difficult to find jobs, housing, and other opportunities.

Sex Crimes That Require Sex Offender Registry

There are many offenses that require registration as a sex offender. These crimes are defined as "reportable conviction or adjudication," meaning that they fall within a specific class of sex crimes that must be registered with local law enforcement for the sexual offender database. These crimes include:

• Continuous sexual abuse of a child
• Indecency with a child
• Bestiality
• Sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault
• Prohibited sexual conduct
• Prostitution
• Aggravated promotion of prostitution
• Compelling prostitution
• Sexual performance by a child
• Possession or promotion of child pornography
• Aggravated kidnapping with intent of sexual assault
• Burglary with intention of sexual assault
• Indecent exposure
• Online solicitation of a minor
• Human trafficking

As you can see, there are a wide range of offenses that require registration as a sex offender. If you are being charged with any of the above offenses, it is essential that you work with qualified legal counsel if you want any chance of keeping your name off this list.

Requirements For Registering As A Sex Offender

If you are required to register as a sex offender, you have many guidelines and restrictions you must follow. These will determine things like where you can live and with whom you can associate. For instance:

• You are required to register as a sex offender within seven days of your release from incarceration or within your arrival in Texas.
• You must register once a year or within the timeframe of moving to a new place. You must keep your information up-to-date, including your address, employment, and the make and model of your car. If you fail to register your updated information, you can be arrested and charged with a third-degree felony.
• You cannot live within 1,000 feet of a child-safe area, such as a school or park or daycare.
• You cannot work certain jobs, including operating a bus, taxi, or amusement park ride if you have been found guilty of sexually abusing a minor.
• If you enter a school, the school authorities must be immediately notified of your presence and your status as a sex offender.

Numeric List Levels

When registering as a sex offender, you will be imposed with a number between one and three that indicates your risk level. The "types" of sexual offender risk levels are as follows:

• Level One: Considered a low-level offender unlikely to re-offend. This type of person is considered to be a low danger to the community.
• Level Two: A level two offender represents a moderate danger to the community with a chance of re-offending.
• Level Three: A level three offender is considered at high risk of re-offending and is a danger to their community.

In order to determine what level of offender a person is, a representative of the court performs a risk assessment and then reports their findings at the time of the offender's registration.

Who Is Exempt From The Registry?

In some limited circumstances, you can be exempted from having to register as a sex offender. These potential exemptions include:

• Juvenile offenders can ask the court for an exemption or for a nonpublic registration of their information.
• For an adult offender, they can ask for an exemption if they were convicted or deferred adjudication for indecency with a child, the child was over 15 years of age, and the sexual encounter was otherwise consensual.

Barbieri Can Handle The Tough Cases

At Barbieri Law Firm, winning your case is just the beginning. We're committed to helping clients rebuild their lives and reputations after the legal battle is over. Understanding the lasting impact a tarnished reputation can have, Barbieri Law Firm takes a holistic approach, offering not only legal defense but also expert reputation management. Our team provides in-house public relations support, working discreetly to minimize media attention, manage damaging rumors, and protect your privacy. With a comprehensive strategy that helps clients regain both their freedom and their standing, Barbieri Law Firm ensures you're not just winning in court-you're winning in life.

Call Barbieri Law Firm at (972) 736-7593 today for a free case assessment. We're available 24/7, because every moment matters when your freedom is on the line!