The Texas Sex Offender Registry is a database that collects information on those who were convicted of certain sex crimes or crimes involving children. Its stated purpose is to protect the public against those convicted persons who may be likely to reoffend, but it has important consequences to consider.
If you are on the sex offender registry, you will likely face limitations on where you can live, work, or even simply go. Because registration for a sex crime doesn’t begin until after someone’s incarceration, probation, or parole is completed, that can mean enduring this treatment for at least 10 more years. In essence, it can practically turn someone who has completed their sentence for a sex crime into a second-class citizen.
So, a conviction for a sex crime that can put someone on the sex offender registry can mean a lot more than time spent behind bars. That’s why it’s crucial to understand what you’re up against if you are facing charges that could put you on the sex offender registry if you are convicted.
Crimes that require sex offender registration for 10 years:
- Indecency with a child
- Unlawful imprisonment/kidnapping of a minor
- Soliciting a minor online
- Attempted/conspiracy to commit a reportable sex crime
- Prostitution
- A subsequent indecent exposure offense
Lifetime Sex Offender Registration
Much more serious sex crimes require lifetime sex offender registration. In fact, most sex crimes in Texas will require this lifetime registration.
Such crimes include the following:
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Aggravated kidnapping (intent to commit a sex crime)
- Burglary (intent to commit a sex crime)
- Indecency with a child (more serious forms)
- Continuous child sexual abuse
- Compelling prostitution
- Child pornography (possession, production, and/or distribution)
- Sex trafficking
Once placed on the sex offender registry for life, it’s exceedingly difficult to be removed except under extraordinary circumstances involving exoneration.
Are You Facing Criminal Sex Charges?
The Texas Sex Offender Registry makes a conviction for a sex crime much different than a conviction for any other crime. In addition to serving time incarcerated for an offense, you may also be subject to sex offender registration for 10 years or life.
Sex offender registration can radically impact your life in ways you may find difficult to imagine now. If you wish to avoid these consequences, our attorneys at The Alband Law Firm can help you build a defense that can help. We may be able to help you mitigate your responsibility for the charges against you, which can mean anything from an acquittal to a reduction of the charges against you.
Schedule a consultation with our team today to learn more about how we can help!