Are You a “High Risk” Sex Offender?

Under Texas sex offender registration law, if you are labeled as a sex offender or released after January 1, 2000, you will be evaluated and assigned a risk level. The Risk Assessment Review Committee establishes the guidelines. Then, the court, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, or the Texas Youth Commission, will use this to determine your risk level.

The process may describe you as a high-risk sex offender. This means there are signs that you are likely to continue unlawful sexual behavior. As you may suspect, this will have a significant impact on your future.

If you are facing charges for a sex offense or fear a high-risk sex offender classification, call a Houston sex crimes lawyer at The Law Offices of Ned Barnett right away.

Initial consults are free and confidential. Call (713) 222-6767 today.

Texas Sex Offender Risk Levels

Texas’ risk levels indicate the odds you will re-offend once you return to the community.

The levels for sex offeners are:

• (Low Risk) Level 1 – Low threat to the community, unlikely to engage in criminal sexual conduct.
• (Moderate Risk) Level 2 – Moderate danger to the community, who may engage in criminal sexual conduct.
• (High Risk) Level 3 – Serious threat to the community, likely to engage in criminal sexual conduct.

Are My Neighbors Notified?

High-risk sex offenders are usually subject to community notification. As a result, when you move to a new place and register, your neighbors will receive a notification that a high-risk sex offender has moved into the area.

Local law enforcement may also post public notices in the newspaper for high-risk sex offenders. In addition, if your sexual offense involved a minor, local schools will be notified.

Can I Ever De-Register

Texas allows some sex offenders to apply for de-registration after a period of reoffending.

If you are eligible, you can apply for sex offender deregistration. However, the next step is a risk assessment. You will also be responsible for the cost involved.

A prior high-risk classification is usually hard to reverse. Therefore, this can prevent you from lifting the mandatory registration.

Additional Consequences for High Risk Offenders

The stigma attached to a high-risk classification will damage every aspect of your life.

As a result, it will be hard to find a job, get accepted into a school or graduate program, obtain loans, and find rental housing. As a result, it can be almost impossible to establish yourself in a community and move on with your life.

Call a Houston Sex Crimes Lawyer for Help

Charged with a sex crime in Texas? You need to speak with a lawyer about defending yourself and how to avoid a high-risk classification.

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid a conviction entirely. An experienced and skilled sex crimes defense attorney from The Law Offices of Ned Barnett will review your case and build the strongest defense strategy possible.

Contact us today at (713) 222-6767 to schedule a free consultation.

Initial consults are free, confidential, and we’ll walk you through how to avoid a conviction.