Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
In Texas, there are numerous criminal offenses that are deemed as sexual in nature, and most of them will require defendants convicted of their respective sex crimes to officially register as a sex offender. Texas law is strict in regard to sex offender registry and takes compliance seriously. If at any time an offender does not fully comply with sex offender registration requirements, they can face steep fines and imprisonment.
It’s important to note that sex offender registration is an added penalty which can last for a lifetime and is another way for the state to punish the convicted person long after they’ve served their sentence and paid any fine adjudged. Texas criminal defense lawyer Jackson F. Gorski at The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski believes this practice is unfair to the extent that it may qualify as cruel and unusual punishment. If you’re facing new criminal charges for failure to register as a sex offender, there are defense options for you that you need to be aware of.
Austin Failure to Register as a Sex Offender Attorney, TX
If you’ve been charged with failure to register as a sex offender in Austin, TX, it’s imperative that you reach out to a skilled criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Failing to comply with registration requirements can lead to severe consequences such as more time spent behind bars and steeper fines.
Sex crimes lawyer Jackson F. Gorski has years of experience fighting for those accused of sex crimes. He understands how easy it can be to make a simple mistake, like reporting a day late or forgetting to update your new address. You shouldn’t face another conviction for an accident. Contact The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski at 512-960-4646 to receive quality legal representation.
The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski serves clients in Travis County, TX and nearby areas including Bell, Bastrop, Lee, Williamson, Milam, Hays Burnett, Blanco, and Caldwell.
Information Center
- Sex Offender Registry in Texas
- TX Penalties for Failure to Register a Sex Offender
- Defenses for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in TX
- Additional Resources
Sex Offender Registry in Texas
Persons convicted of some sex crimes, or who are on deferred adjudication or probation for such, will be required to register as a sex offender. Registration as a sex offender entails providing your name, address, social security number, place of employment, and other information to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
If they fail to register as a sex offender, the state of Texas will penalize them to a degree which increases in severity based on the length of the registration period required. In other words, the longer the registration period assigned to the convicted person the more punitive the penalties will be if convicted for failure to register as a sex offender.
Persons who are convicted of a sex crime are usually required to register for a period of 10 years. However, people convicted of the offenses listed below will have a lifetime sex-offender registration requirement.
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Possession of child pornography
- Distribution of child pornography
- Promotion of child pornography
- Compelling prostitution
- Human and sex trafficking
- Indecency with a child by physical contact
- Incest
- Violent sex crimes
- Kidnappings involving minors
TX Penalties for Failure to Register a Sex Offender
A person who is required to remain registered as a sex offender for 10 years will face new state jail felony charges if they fail to do so. If convicted of this new offense, the penalty ranges from 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
Individuals who are required to register for life and re-verity their status annually can be charged with a third-degree felony if they fail to do so. If convicted, there’s a possibility of being sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
For those on lifetime registration who are mandated to re-verify their status every 90 days, a second-degree felony will apply if they fail to meet their assigned obligations. A second-degree felony in Texas is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines.
Defenses for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in TX
The sex offender registration program is not without its flaws. Many people who are accused of violating their registration requirements are guilty of nothing more than technical violations which are usually defensible. Some of the most common violations that Austin sex crimes defense lawyer Jackson F. Gorski has had success with are listed below.
- Change of address violations
- Change of residence violations
- Law enforcement mistakes
- Registration and document errors
- Out of state convictions
If you’re facing a new charge for one of the violations listed, or for one that’s unlisted, contact The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski to learn more about your options. Attorney Jackson F. Gorski can help you form a strong defense for your case.
Additional Resources
Texas Sex Offender Registration Program – Access the official website for the Texas Department of Public Safety to learn about the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program. Click the link to see a list of information the offender must provide such as their name, address, and the offense he or she was convicted of.
Texas Penal Code: Failure to Comply with Registration Requirements – Access the Texas Penal Code to view section 62.102 which discusses failure to comply with registration requirements. Learn how Texas penalizes individuals who are convicted of the crime.
Austin Sex Offender Registration Attorney, TX
For those who are required by Texas law to register as a sex offender because of a prior conviction, there are serious legal consequences for failing to register. To avoid harsh penalties such as significant fines and imprisonment, contact The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski to obtain the skilled legal counsel of an experienced criminal defense lawyer in TX. Jackson F. Gorski has handled hundreds of sex crime cases and knows what it takes to secure the best outcome possible for your situation.
He will guide you in the direction you need to be led. Contact The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski at 512-960-4646 to secure a free, confidential consultation and retain practiced legal representation immediately. The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski has a main office in Austin, TX but serves clients in surrounding areas including Austin, Jollyville, Lockhart, Kyle, Georgetown, Round Rock, Anderson Mill, Cedar Park, San Marcos, Seguin, and Canyon Lake.
