A sex crime is one of the most serious offenses a person can commit. In Texas, people who are convicted of this type of crime can continue to face consequences long after they have finished serving their prison sentence. Sex offender registry, for instance, limits where an individual can live and may have additional stipulations on their movements. Furthermore, the damage that a conviction can have upon a person’s reputation can be significant. If you are being accused of a sex crime in Texas, it is important to know what limitations you may have to face if you are proven guilty, and why it is so important to retain quality legal aid as soon as possible.
Residency Restrictions for Convicted Sex Offenders
Individuals convicted of a sex crime will face restrictions on where they are allowed to reside. According to Texas law, sex offenders are not allowed to live in or even visit a residence that is within 500 feet of a “child safety zone” where children frequently gather.
Child safety zones include:
- Day care centers
- Schools
- Youth centers
- Athletic fields
- Parks
Depending on where you live, certain cities and towns may also impose stricter or additional rules.
Employment Restrictions for Convicted Sex Offenders
In addition to having limitations on where they can live, a sex offender may also experience difficulty finding gainful employment for two reasons. First, many employers will not hire an individual who has been convicted of a crime for reasons of liability. Secondly, sex offenders may be barred from certain occupations that have access to children and other vulnerable populations, including but not limited to:
- Teacher or other school employee
- Sports coach
- Day care employee
- Physician
While there are no laws that specifically state that a sex offender cannot hold certain jobs, many employers will not consider convicted individuals who are required to disclose the conviction on an application, and reserve the right to terminate employment if they find out about an undisclosed criminal conviction later on.
Other Consequences
Texas sex offenders may also expect these additional consequences:
- Possible probation, potentially including mandatory counseling and regular home visits
- Regular alcohol and drug testing
- Restricted contact with minors
- Restrictions on movement to within a certain area
- Limited or no internet access
- Loss of ability to purchase or own a firearm
After considering the amount and severity of consequences that a sex offender conviction can impose, it is crucial that individuals facing charges seek legal counsel right away. An experienced attorney can help you avoid these restrictions, preserving not only your freedom, but your future as well. With so much on the line, there is no time to waste in bringing your case to The Law Offices of Jed Silverman.
Jed Silverman is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, making him one of the top criminal defense lawyers in the state. You can be confident that Attorney Silverman will handle your case with all of the dedication and professionalism it deserves. We treat each case that is brought to us as if it were our own, and because of this unrelenting commitment, we have earned an exemplary track record of outstanding results for clients.
You are innocent until proven guilty. Take the first step towards fighting for your innocence by requesting a free consultation with our firm.