Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers | February 6, 2026 | Sex Crimes
Per Texas law, people convicted of certain sexual offenses must register with local law enforcement as part of its sex offender registration program. The purpose of this system is to track where offenders live and work and to notify communities when someone with a qualifying conviction resides nearby.
If you’re facing a sex crime charge or have recently been convicted of one, learning about how registration works is critical. Failing to follow these laws can lead to new criminal charges and severe penalties.
Who Has to Register as a Sex Offender in Texas?
Not every sexual offense requires registration, but many do.
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62 lists dozens of crimes that can lead to mandatory registration, including:
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Indecency with a child
- Continuous sexual abuse of a young child
- Promotion of child pornography
- Online solicitation of a minor
Certain nonviolent offenses can also require registration if the person has prior convictions. The court will determine at sentencing whether registration is mandatory based on the facts of the case.
How Long Does Sex Offender Registration Last in Texas?
The duration of registration depends on the offense in question.
Texas law divides registration into two main categories:
- Lifetime registration: Applies to serious offenses such as sexual assault as well as repeated offenses involving minors. Those required to register for life must report regularly to law enforcement and update their information.
- Ten-year registration: Covers less severe offenses, such as indecency with an adult and certain forms of sexual contact. The ten-year period generally begins after the person finishes their sentence.
However, note that even after sex offender registration ends, the record of the conviction itself usually remains public. This can still have impacts on your ability to find housing and employment, among other potential consequences.
What Information Must Be Reported?
People on the registry must provide a wide range of personal information to local law enforcement, including:
- Name
- Address
- Place of employment
- Vehicle information
- Color photograph
This information is shared with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which maintains the statewide sex offender registry. Many details are then made publicly available online.
Registrants must also update their information regularly with their local law enforcement authority. If any changes occur, like moving to a new address, they must promptly notify the police as well.
What Happens if You Fail to Register as a Sex Offender in Texas?
Failing to comply with Texas sex offender registration laws is a felony offense. The severity of the charge hinges on the underlying conviction, among other possible factors.
As just a couple of examples:
- Failing to register for ten-year offenses is generally a state jail felony, which can lead to up to two years of incarceration
- Failing to register for a lifetime offense can result in a third-degree or second-degree felony, carrying up to 20 years in prison
Small mistakes in this context, such as missing a single reporting deadline, can result in an arrest. With the seriousness of these penalties in mind, it’s crucial to have a lawyer help ensure that all of your reporting obligations are met.
Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for a Confidential Consultation
Sex offender registration is one of the most serious and lasting consequences of a criminal conviction in Texas. It can impact where you live, the jobs you qualify for, and how others view you for years to come.
For more information, please contact the sex crimes law firm of Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for a consultation. Give us a call at (682) 777-3336 or visit our convenient location:
We serve the surrounding areas of Tarrant County and Fort Worth, TX.
Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers
604 E 4th St Ste 101
Fort Worth, TX 76102