Individuals do have to register as a sex offender in the state of Texas if the following conditions apply:
· They live, work, or attend school in Texas.
· They have a reportable conviction or adjudication under the laws of another state, federal law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or the laws in another country for an offense that contains substantially similar elements to the elements of a Texas criminal offense that requires registration under Texas law.
Do I Have a Register as a Sex Offender in Texas if I Move Here From Another State?
The Texas Department of Public Safety determines whether a conviction from a criminal offense from another jurisdiction is substantially similar to a Texas offense that requires registration. Some of the offenses that require registration in Texas and that may have corresponding offenses under the laws of other states include continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children, indecency with a child, sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault, and prohibited sexual conduct. Other offenses that also require registration are prostitution, compelling prostitution, possession or promotion of child pornography, and some other serious criminal offenses that may involve children and sexual contact.
For individuals who move, begin working, or begin attending school in Texas and are required to register, they must do so no later than the seventh day after the date that they arrive in the municipality or county, or the first date that the relevant law enforcement agency of the municipality or county by policy allows them to register, whichever is later.
The duty of an out-of-state sex offender to register as a sex offender in Texas ends if the individual no longer resides, works, or attends school in Texas. However, that individual still may be required to register under the laws of other states in which he or she resides, works, or attends school.
The criminal defense lawyers of Peek Law Group have handled the legal defense of countless individuals who are facing criminal charges. We are here to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf in order to get the best outcome possible in your case. Call our office today at (512) 399-2311 to set up an appointment with our criminal defense attorneys today.