While that is not true of every single sex-related crime in Texas, most sex offenses in Texas will require you to register as a sex offender. Frequently, that registration status lasts a lifetime, meaning you will always be on the Texas sex offender registry, which is public record. No matter where you live in Texas, you will have to let the local law enforcement authorities know you are a sex offender. The police will keep track of you and update their local systems to let area residents know there is a sex offender living in the area.
Sex Offender Registration Requirements are Strict
The state of Texas makes it clear that it does not care if sex offenders are unhappy about being on the sex offender registry. The state’s website says the sex offender registry is intended to protect members of the public from sex offenders. No concerns are expressed for the privacy and other rights of sex offenders, nor is it likely there will be many sources of sympathy regarding the burdens the registry places on sex offenders.
Nonetheless, those burdens are significant. Sex offenders must register with the local police or sheriff’s department wherever they live. If they move to a new city or country, they must register with the appropriate law enforcement agency there. They also must provide their name, address, a color photograph, the crime for which they were convicted (even if they entered a diversion program of some kind), and other information. All of this information – including the picture – is available to the public in a statewide database of registered sex offenders. The sex offender registry law also allows local websites that make it easy to find sex offenders in your own community, including their address and picture. The Houston Police Department maintains such a website, as do many cities and counties throughout Texas.
The list of crimes for which a sex offender is required to register is quite lengthy. The registration requirements apply to out-of-state sex offenders who move to Texas, as well. The registering offender must identify the crime that led to the registration requirement, the sentence imposed, information on their victim, information regarding any vehicle they own, employment information, even their shoe size. The requirements are quite extensive. Under limited circumstances, it is possible to petition to be removed from the sex offender registry. Naturally, there are forms and fees involved.
If You are Charged With a Sex Offense in Houston, Talk to Madrid Law Firm
If you have been charged with a sex offense, it is quite possible that you could end up registering as a sex offender. Needless to say, this could have a considerable negative impact on your life. Ideally, you want to avoid a conviction on such charges and avoid those negative consequences. That will require an experienced criminal attorney. Talk to the Madrid Law Firm.
