If you are required to register as a sex offender, you are aware that there are certain things that are required of you. Your compliance with those requirements is your key to avoiding future charges and penalties. Some of the things that are required of registered sex offenders include supplying local law enforcement with identifying information, recent photographs, fingerprints, a description of the offense, information about the victim, information about whether you have been paroled, discharged, or in some sort of probation or supervision program, information about professional licenses, and information about attending college or working at a college. This information must be kept up to date, so it is important that offenders know how to keep their registrations current and how to change things, like their address, as needed.

A recent effort was made by law enforcement officers in Henderson County to check up on one hundred and forty six of the one hundred and sixty seven sex offenders who are registered in the unincorporated areas of the county. At first glance, those numbers may appear to indicate that not all of the offenders who are registered there were investigated. However, the discrepancy in numbers comes from offenders who are registered at two different addresses, as well as offenders who are incarcerated.

Unannounced compliance checks like the recent effort in Henderson County are to be expected, because of the compliance requirements of Texas sex offender laws. Fortunately, at least in the context of this recent compliance check, it appears as though offenders are taking their compliance requirements seriously. Out of the one hundred and forty six individuals who were investigated, eight possible violations were noted and only one arrest was made. The individual who was arrested was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and charged with a state jail felony.

The penalties which may be given to offenders for violations of their duty to register are severe. Depending upon the nature of the violation, offenders may be charged with a state jail felony, a first degree felony, or something in between. If you are charged with a violation of your duty to register, either during a state or county-wide sex offender compliance check or at some other time, you deserve the best chance at defeating the charges that have been brought against you. Contact a Texas Criminal Defense Attorney right away, so that your liberty can be preserved, and so that we can begin pursuing justice for you right away.

A skilled Texas Criminal Defense Attorney can help you to achieve the best possible outcome in your Texas criminal law matter. Sometimes, convictions can be avoided, or penalties can be reduced or eliminated. Criminal Defense Attorney Alex Tyra has successfully represented his Texas clients in many different types of cases, and it is possible that he can help you, too. To find out how, please visit our website or call our office today, at (903) 753-7499.