In almost every instance, a convicted sex offender will have to register in Texas. They will have to remain on the “sex offender registry” for 10 years or life depending on the offense they were charged with. Some offenses are minor crimes, such as consensual sex, while others, such as rape are very serious. The word “sex offender” does not distinguish between the range of offenses that fall into that broad category.
Sexual offenses are crimes that the state of Texas takes very seriously. Gradually, the laws have been modified to look at the various degrees of sexual offense and make efforts to assist the sex offenders in rebuilding their lives.
Romeo and Juliet Law
The enactment of the so-called Romeo and Juliet law has made it possible for many young people who have been charged as sex offenders for having consensual sex with minors, when they were 18. This law has made it possible for many to have their names removed from the “sex offender’s registry.” Although this law covers a small classification of offenses, it has been beneficial to those who were previously charged.
There is a four-step process to being removed from the “sex offender’s registry.” It is difficult to qualify, because the process is designed for the very few that fall into a carefully crafted group. To begin the deregistration process, it will be necessary to retain the services of an attorney who can assist in the formal appeal process.
A detailed list of requirements for Early Termination of Registration can be found at the following link:
The Process
Step One: The applicant should have only one conviction or adjudication for a sexual offense. More than one conviction or adjudication, and the applicant is disqualified. The applicant must have been charged and convicted by the Texas court system.
Step Two: Fill out the actual application and submit it with the actual court documents for the case, background checks and other pertinent information.
Step Three: After the application is reviewed, the applicant should be evaluated by a licensed sex offender specialist. That is necessary to make a determination on the probably of the offender re-offending.
Step Four: The applicant must meet all the other criteria and petition the court for permission to terminate the requirement to register as a sex offender.
The sex offender deregistration process is lengthy and complicated but is worth it for the few that qualify. Most sex offenders have difficulty finding jobs and places to live when even the mildest offense will demand a ten-year sex offender registration.
If you are a registered sex offender and think that you might qualify for an early termination, you need to meet with an experienced attorney and discuss your case. Most sex offenders will not qualify because their crime was too severe or they do not meet the stringent requirements. However, for those who are guilty of making a juvenile mistake, this might be an opportunity for a new start.
Call the professionals at Carroll Troberman, PLLC to set up a consultation today.