What You Need to Know if You Are Charged With a Felony Sex Crime
Sex crimes are widely regarded as some of the worst. No other type of offense leaves you with the same kind of stigma or results in the same kind of potentially lifelong restrictions. Sex offenders are likely to struggle with the consequences of their convictions for the rest of their lives. Depending on the level of the offense, you may be subjected to embarrassing notification requirements or barred from living in certain places. The impact of being registered as a sex offender on your life can be intense.
If you are facing sex crime charges, the importance of finding an aggressive attorney and building the best possible defense cannot be understated. Prison time is just the beginning of the consequences should you be convicted.
5 Facts Sex Crime Defendants Should Be Aware Of
If you are facing felony sex crime charges, there is a lot at stake. Your entire future is in jeopardy. It is important that you know:
- Registration - In Texas, those convicted of sexual felonies are required to register as a sex offender upon leaving prison and starting parole or probation. The minimum amount of time you will be on the list is ten years. If your offense was considered violent - like sexual assault - the registration is lifelong.
- Housing - It can be extremely difficult for sex offenders to find housing. You may be barred from living near a school, park, or other places children gather. Even landlords that are generally willing to consider felons may refuse a sex offender. You may have little choice but to live in designated sex offender housing, which can be an unpleasant and restrictive living environment.
- Prison danger - If you are sent to prison for a sex offense, you may be in for a very difficult time. Inmates convicted of other crimes may still look down on sex offenders. Expect to need some form of protective custody while you are in prison for your own safety.
- Social media - If you used the internet to facilitate your offense - such as by downloading child pornography or soliciting a minor - you may be barred from using social media or be subjected to other restrictions on your internet usage.
- Publicity - The sex offenders list is always public, and quite a few people - parents in particular - do periodically check to see if anyone on the list is living nearby. If your offense was more serious, law enforcement may even decide to send all your neighbors a postcard with your information. This can be extremely embarrassing and you could even face harassment from the community.
If at all possible, your best course of action is to fight the charge so that you do not end up on the sex offenders registry in the first place. You will need a highly skilled attorney.
Call a Wilson County Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
If you are faced with the possibility of a sex crime conviction, BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys can offer you quality representation. Our aggressive Floresville sex crimes defense lawyers are highly skilled at handling these delicate cases. Call us at 830-769-1010 to get started with a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/crime-records-service/texas-sex-offender-registration-program