Understanding The Texas Sex Offender Registration Program

One of the consequences of a sex crime conviction that will stay with you the longest is that you will be forced to register as a sex offender. In Texas, registration with the state Sex Offender Registration Program is required of an individual convicted of various crimes, such as child molestation, prostitution, sexual assault and child pornography. Regardless of whether you remain in Plano or move to another county, you will have to notify local law enforcement of your presence in the community and provide specific details about yourself for inclusion in an online database that is maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The registry is available to the general public for searches based on name, home address, or proximity to various schools. If you are convicted, your profile will include information such as:

• Your name
• Your home address
• Your employer and job title
• A recent photograph and supplemental photos
• A detailed physical description, e.g. height, weight, eye color, and shoe size
• Aliases, including online profiles for social networks
• Details about your conviction (ex: the type of crime)

If you are found guilty of a sex crime, your punishment will not end at the completion of a jail or prison term or when you pay your fines. You will have to live as a registered sex offender and be exposed to the social stigma and censure attached to that label by members of the community. Neighbors and potential employers will have access to the information in the registry, placing your reputation and your prospects at risk. You can meet with an experienced Plano defense attorney to discuss your case in detail and determine the most effective strategy for fighting the charges.