How Long Does a Sex Offender Have to Register in Texas?

 Posted on July 20,2024 in Criminal Defense

If you have been convicted of a sex crime in Texas, there is a high chance that you will be required to register for Texas’s sex offender registry as part of your sentence. Registration on this list may be temporary or for a lifetime, depending on the type of sex crime committed, and you will have to report to law enforcement within a certain time period after being released from jail or otherwise sentenced.

An experienced Texas sex crimes defense attorney can help you understand your rights if you are facing a sex crimes charge.

Understanding Texas Sex Offender Registration

The standards for Texas sex offender registration are set by the federal Megan’s Law and the state statutes. Megan’s Law requires that Texas maintains a sex offender registration list, while state statutes for sex offender registration outline details for things like risk assessment of sex offenders, registration requirements, and public notification requirements.

Sex crimes that are likely to result in registration on the Texas sex offender registry include:

• Sexual assault

• Possession or distribution of child pornography

• Indecent exposure

• Solicitation of a minor, either online or in person

• Indecent contact with a child

In general, sex offenders are required to be on the Texas sex offender registry for at least ten years. This time will start as soon as any applicable incarceration time has been served. For more severe sex crimes, sex offender registration is permanent, and offenders will need to keep their registration details updated regardless of where they move in Texas.

How Long Does a Sex Offender Have to Register?

According to Texas’s Duties of Registration, someone who is required to register on the state’s sex offender registry must do so within seven days of being released from incarceration, or within seven days of moving to a new city or town. Failure to do so can lead to additional jail time and fines.

Additionally, sex offenders will need to periodically verify their registration every 30 or 90 days or annually, depending on the type of sex crime committed and the risk level of the sex offender. The court will provide a risk assessment and make sex offenders aware of their registration requirements.

Contact a Llano, TX Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Registration on Texas’s sex offender registry can significantly impact your reputation, your future, and your opportunities in life. It is vital that you speak with a skilled Llano County, TX sex crimes defense lawyer if you are facing sex crime charges to try and minimize the impact of a sex crime on your record.

Attorney Baker will provide you with dedicated and effective representation that advocates for your rights in the face of these charges. Contact the Law Office of Russ Alan Baker, PLLC at 325-216-2006 for a consultation.