Conviction of a sex crime in the state of Texas means you may have to register as a sex offender. This could make your life hard as people in your community will very likely learn of your conviction. This may make it difficult to socialize in your community or find work.
It is bad enough to end up on a sex offender registry, but at least you might get off it someday, or so you may think. A good reason to fight sex offense charges is that it is possible to stay on the registry permanently.
Length of registration
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, adults who commit sex crimes may end up on the registry until ten years have passed after a discharge from state supervision. This may include a release from prison, but it can also include the end of parole or a form of community supervision.
However, the nature of a sex crime can cause a person to never get off the sex offender registry. This happens if someone commits any of a number of serious offenses.
Examples of serious sex crimes
The government may mandate a lifetime registration if a court finds you guilty of the following:
- Human trafficking
- Sexually violent offenses including sexual assault
- Compelling a minor to commit prostitution
- Possessing or promoting child pornography
These offenses can take different forms. A sexually violent offense may involve sexual assault, aggravated assault, or aggravated kidnapping to commit a sexual assault. Regardless, a conviction of one of these offenses may ruin your reputation for life.
Defending your rights
Adult sex offenders have little recourse to obtain court exemptions from registration. Sometimes a court grants an exemption in the event of certain conditions, such as whether the sex offense involved some level of consent. Some adults receive an exemption after going through a risk assessment and if they make the case that their registration period exceeds the same period required under federal law.
The seriousness of ending up on a sex offender registry is why it is important to know your rights when confronted with sex crime charges. It could make a vital difference in your future.
