What is Sex Offender Registration in Texas?
Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs sex offender registration requirements in Texas. People who are convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for certain sexual offenses are required to register from a period of ten years to life. Information on registered sex offenders is publicly available, and being a registered sex offender virtually ensures difficulties in employment, housing, and other essential aspects of life.
Who is Required to Register as a Sex Offender in Texas?
Individuals who are convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for the offenses listed in Article 62.001 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure are required to register as sex offenders. These offenses are known as “reportable convictions or adjudications” and include:
- Continuous sexual abuse of young child or children
- Indecency with a child
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Prohibited sexual conduct
- Compelling prostitution
- Sexual performance by a child
- Possession or promotion of child pornography
- Online solicitation of a minor
- A second violation of Indecent exposure, but not if the second violation results in a deferred adjudication
- A violation of the laws of another state, federal law, the laws of a foreign country, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice for or based on the violation of an offense similar to those above, but not if the violation results in a deferred adjudication
How Long Does a Person Have to Register as a Sex Offender in Texas?
Under Article 62.101 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the registration period for most offenses is lifetime. However, certain offenses, such as indecency with a child by exposure only or a second reportable conviction or adjudication for indecent exposure carry a ten-year registration requirement. If the ten-year registration requirement applies, the duty to register ends on the 10th anniversary of the date on which the person is released from a penal institution or discharges community supervision or the court dismisses the criminal proceedings against the person and discharges the person, whichever date is later, if the person’s duty to register is based on a conviction or an order of deferred adjudication.
For additional information, please contact the Law Office of David A. Nachtigall.
