McKinney Sex Offender Registration Attorneys
Lawyers Defending Against Sex Crimes That Would Require Sex Offender Registration in McKinney, TX
When a person is charged with a sex crime, they may face serious penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence and high fines. However, even after completing a criminal sentence, they may encounter ongoing concerns related to sex offender registration. Many sex crimes will require ongoing registration with law enforcement, restrictions on where a person can live and work, and other issues that will affect a person for years or for the rest of their life.
At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys work with people who are facing sex crime charges, and in addition to providing representation during criminal cases, we will make sure they understand any registration requirements that may apply following a conviction. We will work to help our clients avoid convictions that could lead to ongoing issues that may affect their lives and futures, and we will fight to protect their rights throughout the criminal process.
Offenses That Require a Person to Register as a Sex Offender
Many sex crimes will require people to register with the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program. These include:
- Sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault
- Continuous sexual abuse of a child
- Indecency with a child
- Online solicitation of a minor
- Possession, distribution, or promotion of child pornography
- Improper relationship between an educator and a student
- Certain prostitution offenses, including aggravated promotion of prostitution or compelling prostitution
- Child trafficking
- Aggravated kidnapping or unlawful restraint with the intent to commit sexual abuse against the victim
- Burglary with the intent to commit sexual assault or another sex crime
- A second conviction for indecent exposure
Requirements and Restrictions for Registered Sex Offenders
Registered sex offenders will face a number of ongoing requirements. A person who is on the sex offender registry must report to local law enforcement in any city or county where they live. Within seven days after beginning residence in a new location, a person will be required to register with the local police department or county sheriff's office.
When registering with law enforcement, a person will be required to provide detailed personal information, including their current address, the name and address of their employer, details about any vehicles they drive, and email addresses, social media accounts, or other online accounts they use. They will also need to verify their registration information regularly and notify law enforcement of any address or employment changes.
Residency restrictions may apply for convicted sex offenders. Cities may prohibit convicted sex offenders from living near areas where children may be present, including schools and parks. Some convicted sex offenders may be restricted from working in certain jobs, including driving buses, taxis, or limousines or operating amusement rides. Certain professions may prohibit registered sex offenders from obtaining professional licenses, which can place additional limits on a person's career options.
How Long Is Sex Offender Registration Required?
In general, a person will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years after they complete a prison sentence and any period of parole or probation. However, certain offenses will require lifetime registration. These include sexually violent offenses like sexual assault and indecency with a child, sex trafficking, and child pornography charges.
Penalties for Violating Sex Offender Registration Requirements
A person who does not comply with their requirements as a convicted sex offender may face criminal charges that are separate from any underlying offenses. A violation may lead to state jail felony charges, which could result in a sentence lasting from 180 days to two years. If a person is subject to lifetime registration requirements, they could face third-degree or second-degree felony charges for failing to comply.
Violations for convicted sex offenders may involve simple mistakes, such as a failure to report a change of address or a missed verification appointment. At Texas Defense Firm, we can help clients understand their requirements and defend against violations that could lead to serious penalties.
Defending Against Convictions That Could Lead to Sex Offender Registration
Our attorneys understand the serious consequences that our clients may face when they have been accused of sex crimes. We know the difficulties that a status as a convicted sex offender can cause in a person's life, and we will work to ensure that our clients can avoid these issues.
Whenever possible, we will take steps to challenge accusations against our clients and help them avoid convictions for sex crimes. We can provide a strong defense by evaluating the evidence in a case, highlighting any violations of a person's rights by police officers, and taking steps to secure a dismissal or acquittal. If necessary, we can work with prosecutors to negotiate agreements that may reduce the charges a person will face and help them avoid a conviction for a sex crime that would require registration. We can also work with people who have been convicted to petition for the early termination of registration requirements when possible.
Contact Our McKinney, Texas Sex Offender Registration Attorneys
Because of the serious consequences a person will face when they are convicted of a sex crime, the attorneys at Texas Defense Firm can provide guidance on the best ways to defend against these types of charges. We can take steps to avoid a conviction, minimize the penalties that a person may face, and limit the possibility of registration as a sex offender. Our goal is to protect our clients' rights and futures as we defend against sex crime charges. Contact our McKinney sex offender registration defense lawyers at 972-369-0577 to set up a free consultation.
