The sex offender registry tracks and monitors convicted sex offenders once they are released from the legal system into the community. But contrary to popular opinion, not everyone on the sex offender registry is a sexual predator. 

Many Texas residents require the services of a San Antonio sex crime attorney after they were required to register as sex offenders due to public urination.

According to Sex Crime Defense Attorneys in San Antonio, there are 4 Sex Offender Risk Levels 

Texas classifies sex offenders using a tier system that ranks them from low risk to civil commitment. Different risk levels denote the degree of danger the sex offender poses to the community. 

If you have been convicted of a crime that requires you to register as a sex offender, you will be ranked based on the following tier system:

• Low Risk
• Moderate Risk
• High Risk
• Civil Commitment

Typically, you will be required to register as a sex offender after your jail sentence elapses or you are released from a mental health facility. Your sex crime defense attorney should guide you through this process once you are free.

Crimes That Can Get You on the Sex Offender Registry in Texas

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice set up the Risk Assessment Review Committee to guide the sex offender registration process. Based on the severity of your crimes, the court, the Department of Justice, or the Texas Youth Commission will use these criteria to determine which risk level to assign you.

The following sex crimes will result in Tier 1 (low risk) classification:

• Recording a minor in a non-public area or space (video voyeurism)
• False imprisonment of a minor
• Possessing or receiving child pornography
• Transmitting information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual reasons
• Traveling or facilitating travel to engage in criminal sexual conduct

The following sex crimes will get you Tier 2 classification on the sex offender registry: 

• Attempting to or enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity
• Inducing a minor to engage in sexual performance
• Making or disseminating child pornography
• Using minors in sex trafficking and prostitution
• Engaging in sexual activity with a minor aged 16 or 17 years (statutory rape)

You can also be registered as a Tier 2 sex offender in Texas if you have committed several Tier 1 offenses. A San Antonio sex crime attorney will be able to give an accurate guess of your probable classification before the court makes a ruling based on your alleged crimes.

Finally, the following sex crimes will lead to classification as a Tier 3 sex offender:

• Engaging in abusive sexual activity with minors under the age of 13
• Kidnapping a minor
• Aggravated sexual abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Sexual abuse of a minor

Each risk level has different requirements and punishments for the registered sex offender. An experienced and knowledgeable sexual assault lawyer in San Antonio will fight to defend your rights and get you the most favorable outcome.

Contact Cabanas Law Today

Have you been accused of a sex crime in Texas or arrested for not registering as a sex offender? Consider reaching out to Cabanas Law Firm. Our experienced sex crime attorneys will strive to provide the best possible legal defense to ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today at (210) 446-4090 to schedule a consultation.