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Houston Sex Offender Registration Attorney

Texas sex offender registration is a heavy burden to bear — especially after being convicted for a sex crime that you did not commit. Regardless of your innocence, your friends, family, and colleagues may no longer look at you in the same way. You may even find yourself excluded from some social activities and professional events.

The Law Offices of Ned Barnett can help. We can fight your sex crime charges so that you won’t have to register as a sex offender. Call us at (713) 222-6767 or contact us online for a free consultation.

When Do I Need to Register as a Sex Offender and What Does it Involve?

If you’re convicted of any of the following crimes, you will need to register as a sex offender in Texas:

For the following crimes, which are deemed violent offenses, you will need to follow even more stringent registration requirements:

  • Indecency with a child by contact — Texas Penal Code section 21.11(a)(1)
  • Sexual assault — Texas Penal Code section 22.011
  • Aggravated sexual assault — Texas Penal Code section 22.021
  • Sexual performance by a child — Texas Penal Code section 43.25
  • Aggravated kidnapping with intent to commit a sex offense — Texas Penal Code section 20.04(a)(4)
  • Burglary with intent to commit sex offense — Texas Penal Code section 30.02

It’s important to understand that you may be required to register as a sex offender in Texas even if your conviction was in another state.

What Are the Texas Sex Offender Registration Requirements?

The first step in the sex offender registration process is meeting with local law enforcement, filling out the sex offender registration form, and providing fingerprints and photographs. This must be done in every community in which the offender intends to reside for more than a week. This enables local law enforcement to make public announcements that a sex offender lives in the community—but these announcements will not include the offender’s name or photograph.

Normally, sex offenders must verify their registration with law enforcement agencies once per year. But those who have committed violent offenses or who have at least two convictions must report every 90 days. In any case, all sex offenders must report a change of address to their supervising officers and law enforcement agencies 7 days before they move.

Most sex offenders must continue to register themselves for 10 years following their conviction. But for those convicted of a violent offense, life-long registration is the norm.

Is it Possible to Be Removed from the Sex Offenders List?

In 2005 and 2011, Texas passed laws creating and clarifying the procedure through which some sex offenders could apply for the early termination of their sex offender registration requirement. The list of offenses eligible for early termination is vast, and includes any crime for which the length of registration under Texas law exceeds the registration time mandated by federal law. The full list of eligible offenses can be viewed here: https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/SexOffender/SORNA_2015June.pdf

The applicant must have no more than one conviction for an offense requiring sex offender registration, and must be deemed to no longer present a continuing threat to society. Specifically, the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Council on Sex Offender Treatment for Deregistration Evaluation will make this determination based on information submitted by the applicant, including:

  • Court documents from the case
  • Criminal background checks
  • Documentation of the successful completion of a sex offender treatment program

Once the Council determines that the applicant is qualified for deregistration, he or she must submit to an evaluation by a licensed sex offender deregistration specialist, who will assess the likelihood that the applicant will re-offend. If successful at this stage, the applicant must next file a petition in the court where he or she or was originally convicted, requesting the early termination of the sex offender registration requirement. Judges are under no obligation to rule favorably on these petitions—even if the applicant meets all of the requirements.

FAQs About Texas Sex Offender Registration

Does a deferred adjudication deal require sex offender registration in Texas?

Sometimes. Whether deferred adjudication triggers registration depends on the specific offense and the final terms of the plea. In many sex-related cases, registration can still be required even if you avoid a traditional conviction. A defense lawyer can evaluate the exact charge, statute, and proposed disposition to determine whether registration is mandatory and whether alternatives exist.

Do I have to register if my conviction happened years ago or in another state?

Possibly. Texas can require registration based on out-of-state or federal convictions if the offense is considered substantially similar to a Texas registrable offense. This can apply even if the original case is old or the other state’s registration rules were different. An attorney can compare the statutes and determine whether Texas registration is legally required or contestable.

What happens if I miss a registration deadline or make a mistake on my registration information?

Registration errors can create serious legal exposure. Missing verification dates, failing to update an address on time, or providing incomplete information may lead to new criminal charges. If you believe you may be out of compliance, getting legal guidance immediately can help you address the issue before it escalates.

Can I travel within Texas or leave the state while registered?

Travel may be allowed, but it can trigger reporting obligations depending on where you go and how long you stay. Some situations require notification to local law enforcement or updates to your registration details. Before traveling, it is wise to confirm what reporting requirements apply to your specific registration tier and supervision status.

Does registration affect where I can live in Houston or Harris County?

Registration can create housing challenges. While statewide law focuses on registration duties, local restrictions and supervision conditions can limit where you can live, especially near places such as schools or parks. Even when a restriction is not technically “statewide,” it can still affect real-world housing options and lease approvals.

Will I be required to register for life automatically?

Not automatically. Registration length depends on the offense, the facts alleged, and how the case resolves. Some outcomes lead to a 10-year registration period, while others lead to lifetime registration. Because the long-term consequences vary so widely, it is critical to evaluate any plea offer through the lens of registration duration, not just jail time.

Can I be removed from the registry early if I complete treatment or keep a clean record?

In limited situations, early termination may be possible, but it is not guaranteed and typically requires multiple formal steps, including eligibility review, an evaluation, and a court petition. Completion of treatment and a clean record can be helpful factors, but they do not automatically qualify someone for removal or guarantee a favorable decision.

Is my information always public on the sex offender registry?

Public visibility depends on the offense category and the level of access permitted under Texas law. In many cases, registry information can be searchable by the public, which can impact employment, housing, and personal relationships. A lawyer can explain what information is displayed and whether any limitations may apply in your situation.

How does sex offender registration affect employment and background checks?

Even when a person is qualified for a job, registry status can create practical barriers such as employer screening policies, workplace location restrictions, or professional licensing concerns. Addressing the underlying criminal case strategically is often the most effective way to protect career options, since the registry’s visibility can follow someone for years.

Why is it risky to accept a plea deal without understanding registration consequences?

Because registration can become the most lasting penalty in the case. A plea that looks favorable on paper may still require years or lifetime registration, along with frequent reporting obligations and public exposure. A defense attorney can evaluate plea offers for hidden long-term costs and pursue outcomes that minimize or avoid registration whenever possible.

Fighting Your Sex Crime Charges is the Best Way to Avoid Registration

The process for deregistering from the sex offenders list is long, complicated, and often unsuccessful. For this reason, the best way to avoid being on a sex offender’s list is to not have a sex crime conviction in the first place. If you’ve been charged with a sex crime, you owe it to yourself to hire the best Houston sex crimes lawyer you can find to work on your case.

In any criminal case, the prosecution must prove every aspect of their case in order to obtain a guilty verdict. A skillful criminal defense lawyer can show there is reasonable doubt as to your guilt by:

  • Presenting evidence or witness testimony that shows or suggests your innocence
  • Challenging the admissibility of the prosecution’s evidence
  • Offering alternative interpretations of the prosecution’s evidence against you
  • Cross examining the prosecution’s witness to demonstrate that they have an ulterior motive to testify against you, or that their recollections about the alleged sex crime are incorrect

In his more than 30 years as a legal professional, Houston sex crimes defense lawyer Ned Barnett has successfully defended the interests of dozens of clients facing sex crime charges. With exceptional knowledge of criminal procedure in Texas and outstanding trial advocacy skills, Ned Barnett is the top choice for people who want to avoid the penalties of a criminal conviction.

Not only does Barnett have significant experience defending people accused of crimes, he also has several years of experience as a state and federal prosecutor that gives him valuable insight into how prosecutors build cases — and how to craft strong arguments in your defense. Additionally, Barnett is board certified as a criminal defense attorney by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Contact the Law Offices of Ned Barnett today at (713) 222-6767 to schedule an appointment with a top Houston criminal defense lawyer.