Sex Offender Registration
A conviction for certain sex offenses may result in required registration with the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program. The program was designed for the benefit of the public to inform them of potential sex offenders in their area. While the program has good intentions, it’s not without flaws. A major flaw is how the State punishes offenders of varying levels when they fail to register as a sex offender.
All sex offenders are essentially viewed the same under the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program. Even if the nature of their crimes is remarkably different. A sex offender who registered due to indecent exposure charges is treated in the same manner as offenders with sex trafficking and other much more high-profile sex crimes. Both people will face significant and identical charges if they fail to register, even if the violation was simply a mistake.
Sex Offender Defense Attorney | Jackson Gorski
Certain sex offenders may be required to register as a sex offender as a result of their conviction. If you have been arrested for a sex crime or failure to register, contact The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski. Experienced and skilled defense lawyer Jackson F. Gorski can examine the facts of the case and begin building a defense designed to protect your future.
Schedule your first consultation with Attorney Gorski by filling out the online consultation form or calling our firm at 512-960-4646. The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski has offices in both Austin and Georgetown, and accepts clients in various counties including Travis County, Williamson County, Bell County, Hays County, Caldwell County, Milam County, Bastop County, Blanco County, and Burnett County.
Information Center:
- What Crimes Trigger Sex Offender Registration in Texas?
- Requirements for Texas Sex Offender Program
- Classifications for Sex Offenders in Texas
- Additional Resources
What Crimes Trigger Sex Offender Registration in Texas?
All the terms and conditions for the Sex Offender Registration Program is located under Chapter 63 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Subchapter B. According to Section 62.051, any individual who has a reportable conviction or adjudication or is required to register as a condition of parole, release to mandatory supervision/community supervision must register with local law enforcement. The individual must report their residence every time they move or intend to reside in a place for more than seven days.
Listed below are the crimes under the Texas Penal Code where a person may be required to register as sex offender as a condition of parole, their conviction, or adjudication.
- Sexual performance of a child
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Sex trafficking
- Unlawful restraint of a person under the age of 17
- Kidnapping of a person under the age of 17
- Aggravated kidnapping of a person under the age of 17
- Continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children
- Compelling prostitution
- Possession or promotion of child pornography
- Aggravated kidnapping if the offender had intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually
- First-degree burglary if the offender had intent to commit sexual abuse on a young child, indecency with a child, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, prohibited sexual conduct, or aggravated kidnapping
- Second indecent exposure conviction
- Online solicitation of a minor
Individuals will also be required to register if they have a reportable conviction or adjudication relating to an attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit an offense or engage in conduct listed above.
Requirements for Texas Sex Offender Program
In order to lawfully register as a sex offender, an individual will have to provide certain information to the closest local law enforcement authority. Some documents local law enforcement will need to register the individual lawfully includes:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Sex
- Race, eight, eye color, & hair color
- Social security number
- Driver’s license number
- Addresses where they reside or intends to reside
- Aliases used by the individual
- Any home, work, or cellular telephone number
- Recent color photograph
- Set of fingerprints
- Age of victim, date of conviction & punishment received
- Indication the individual is paroled, discharged, or released on juvenile probation, community supervision, and/or mandatory supervision
- Any license (including professional) held by or sought by the offender
- Proof the individual is employed, carrying on a vocation, or a student at an institution
- Identification of any online identifier
- Any other information they ask for
Classifications for Sex Offenders in Texas
When an individual is required to register, they are also given a Risk Level determined by the Department of Criminal Justice, Youth Commission, or the court. In Texas, there are three different risk levels a sex offender may be classified as. These include:
- Level Three (High) – This is the highest level an individual can have under the Sex Offender Registration Program. The level indicates they are a “danger” to the community and could engage in criminal sexual conduct again.
- Level Two (Moderate) – If the offender poses a moderate danger, then they’ll be classified as a level two offender.
- Level One (Low) – Sex offenders that pose a low danger to the community will be given a level one classification.
Sex offenders must verify their sex offender status once a year. Offenders convicted of two or more times, who have received an order of deferred adjudication two or more times, or who have been convicted and received an order of deferred adjudication must verify their registration every 90 days. Civilly committed offenders will re-verify their information every 30 days.
Additional Resources
Once Fallen Sex Offender Resource, Research and Advocacy — This reference and resource website provides information for people convicted of registrable sex offenses. You can learn more about travel issues, compliance checks, and ways to find housing. There are also fact guides relating to civil commitment, false allegations, and internet laws.
Texas Statue for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender – Visit the official website for the Code of Criminal Procedure to learn more about Texas’s sex offender registration program. Access the site to learn more about reportable convictions, how many times you must register a year, and other important information.
Although your reading of this website doesn’t constitute the formation of an attorney-client relationship, I will tell you that you should avoid discussing your case with friends, family, social media applications, and prosecutors without the legal guidance of an experienced defense lawyer.