The Texas Sex Offender Registration Program was created to protect the public from dangerous sex offenders. The program is designed to inform the public of convicted sex offenders living in their area. Using the State of Texas’ website, anyone can look at a map showing the locations of registered sex offenders’ residences. In some cases, sex offenders have also been required to place signs in their front yards announcing their status.
Crimes That May Require Registration
Anyone convicted of a sex offense or similar crime in the State of Texas may be required to join the sex offender registry. Working with a sex crime attorney in San Antonio, TX can help you avoid the most severe outcomes for your charges, including mandatory registration. These crimes include (but are not limited to):
- Sexual assault
- Prohibited sexual contact
- A second conviction for indecent exposure
- Possession or promotion of child pornography
- Indecency with a child or sexual performance by a child
- Unlawful restraint, kidnapping, or aggravated kidnapping
Registering as a Sex Offender
For those facing sex crime-related charges, the prospect of registering as a sex offender may be unnerving. The process involves reporting the following details, most of which will be publicly available to neighbors, employers, and anyone else who might be interested:
- The offender’s name and address
- A color photograph of the offender for identification
- The offense that the offender was convicted or adjudicated for
Failing to Comply with the Sex Offender Registry
Applying to be listed in the registry is only the start. The State of Texas has many ongoing requirements for those who become registered sex offenders. For many people, it is difficult to understand which requirements apply to them and their circumstances. Despite the complexity of these rules, anyone who fails to keep up with these requirements can land themselves in hot water.
One of the rules that is most commonly violated is a failure to update their listing with new address information. There are many possible explanations:
- Your move was sudden and unplanned, leaving no time to make contact with the office
- You attempted to notify the registration office via phone and were unable to connect
- Your working hours no longer allow you to make contact with the registration office
- You reached out to update your details, but the clerk did not record it correctly
Sex Offender Attorney – San Antonio
Our sex offender attorney in San Antonio understands how becoming a registered sex offender can greatly harm a person’s reputation and their ability to re-integrate into society. The Law Office of Jesse Hernandez can help you face your charges with greater confidence and will work hard to improve your chances of beating your case. If you are facing charges for a sex crime in San Antonio or Austin, or have recently violated the terms of your registration, contact us for a free case evaluation.
San Antonio Office: 3107 Broadway Street, San Antonio, Texas 78209. (210) 807-8656.
Austin Office: 2025 Guadalupe Street Suite 260, Austin, Texas 78705. (512) 982-4798.
