Are you facing sex crime charges in Fort Worth, TX? Many sex crimes in Texas can result in sex offender registration for a conviction, which can have life-altering consequences. If you are charged with a sex crime, you need help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
The legal team at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers has over 60 years of combined experience. We stand up for the rights of the accused in Texas, having defended hundreds of people.
Call (682) 777-3336 or contact our law firm to schedule a consultation with a Fort Worth sex offender registration attorney.
How Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help You if You Are Facing Sex Offender Registration for a Sex Crime in Texas
Charges for sex crimes in Fort Worth, Texas can damage your personal and professional reputation, even if you are proven innocent. It is crucial that you work with an experienced Fort Worth criminal defense attorney to protect your rights, freedom, and reputation.
At Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers, we understand what is at stake if you are required to register as a sex offender. When you hire our Fort Worth sex crimes lawyers, you can trust that we will:
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to the charges against you
- Advise you of your legal options
- Gather evidence to build your defense, including analyzing the state’s evidence against you
- Aggressively negotiate favorable terms for a plea deal if that is in your best interest
- Advocate for you in all court appearances, including taking your case to trial when appropriate
Our attorneys are members of several legal organizations, including the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a consultation.
What Types of Sex Crimes Require Registration as a Sex Offender in Texas?
Most sex crimes can result in sex offender status. Examples of offenses that could require you to register as a sex offender include, but are not limited to:
- Sexual assault
- Human trafficking
- Sexual abuse of a child or disabled person
- Statutory rape
- Bestiality
- Compelling prostitution
- Some cases involving burglary and kidnapping
- Indecency with a child
- Indecent exposure
- Promotion or possession of child pornography
The Texas sex offender registry is public record. You can be found on the sex offender registry, which makes your personal information publicly accessible online. In some cases, your neighbors may also be notified about your status as a registered sex offender.
Registration Requirements for the Texas Sex Offender Registry
Under Texas law, individuals convicted of certain sex crimes have seven days from their sentencing or release from custody to register as a sex offender. Information they must provide to the local police department includes:
- Name, birth date, Social Security number, and driver’s license number
- Physical description
- Aliases
- Physical address
- Business and professional licenses
- Fingerprints and a recent photo
- The offense, conviction date, penalties received, and the victim’s age
- Online identifiers, including social media account names and email addresses
- Employers, school names, and their addresses
- Vehicle registration information
- Any other information required by the department
If any of the information provided during sex offender registration changes, the offender must notify the registering agency within seven days. Additionally, offenders must verify their information in person at least once a year.
In some cases, individuals may need to verify their details more frequently, such as every 90 days. The length of time an offender must remain on the sex offender registry varies. For many, the registration period lasts 10 years, but the registration requirement can extend to a lifetime for more serious offenses or high-risk offenders.
Penalties for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender in Texas
Failing to comply with the requirements for sex offender registration can result in severe penalties. Even a mistake could result in a conviction for failure to comply with the sex offender registration requirements.
A minor offense could result in a sentence of 180 days to two years. However, a severe offense could result in a prison sentence of two to 20 years.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I Am Accused of Violating the Sex Offender Registration Requirements?
There are a number of defenses that you might use if you are charged with violating the requirements for sex offender registration, including wrongful conviction, lack of evidence, misapplication of a sex offender registration requirement, and others. Talk with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to discuss potential defenses to the charges.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Fort Worth Sex Offender Registration Lawyers
If you are being charged with a sex crime or have questions about sex offender registration, contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for a consultation with a Fort Worth sex offender registration attorney. Violating the sex offender registry rules or being charged with a sex crime is a serious matter. Our legal team is here to help you with your defense.
