Sex Offender Registry In Texas: Who Has To Register?

The sex offender registry program has been in effect in Texas since September 1, 1991. If you are sentenced to register as a sex offender, you must register for 10 years or life, depending on the crime you are accused of committing. In addition, as a registered sex offender, you must visit your primary registration authority to verify your registration information. Failure to register may result in criminal penalties and incarceration.

Many sex crime convictions require a lifetime registration, including:

• Sexual assault

• Aggravated sexual assault

• Sexual activity involving a child

• Aggravated kidnapping, if committed with the intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually

• Burglary, if the building burglarized is done so with the intent to commit indecency with a child, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, prohibited sexual conduct, or aggravated kidnapping with sexual intent

• Prohibited sexual conduct (incest)

• Compelling prostitution of a minor

• Possession or promotion of child pornography

A wide range of offenses, even including certain cases of sexting, can result in serious legal repercussions, including registry as a sex offender.

What is the penalty for failing to register as a sex offender?

If you fail to register, you could be sent back to prison for a very long time. In Texas, sex crime offenders who are required to register for 10 years and fail to do so face a state jail felony — the lowest level of felony in the Texas. Lifetime offenders who fail to register may be charged with a third-degree felony. If you have a lifetime reporting requirement and you are required to report every 90 days, you face second-degree felony charges if you fail to register. Individuals who are convicted of two or more sexually violent crimes must report to their primary registration authority every three months.

By Kevin L. Collins | Published March 4, 2014 | Posted in Criminal Law | Tagged criminal penalties, sex crime, sex offender, sex offender registry