Sexual Offenses in Texas: Understanding Megan’s Law

 Posted on July 08, 2024 in Sex Crimes

Sex crimes have harsh penalties in Texas, and many sex crimes require offenders to provide their details to the state’s sex offender registry. The creation of the sex offender registry in Texas is related to Megan’s Law, a federal law that outlines the monitoring and notification process of sex offenders.

If you have been charged with a sex crime in Texas, you may be subject to Megan’s Law. A skilled Texas sex offense defense attorney can answer your questions and help you understand your rights if you face these charges.

What Is Megan’s Law?

Megan’s Law refers to federal legislation that was introduced and enacted in 1996 after the tragic 1994 case of Megan Kanka. Megan Kanka, who was seven years old at the time, was abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered by a twice-convicted sex offender who lived across the street from her family home. The family did not know of the presence of the sex offender in their neighborhood, and federal legislation sought to create sex offender registration lists and notification systems in the aftermath of this case.

Megan’s Law requires states to maintain a registry of sex offenders for the public to view and led to the creation of the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). SORNA further outlines systems for registering, monitoring, and notifying communities about sexual offenders.

How Does Texas Incorporate Megan’s Law?

Texas is required under Megan’s Law to maintain a sex offender registration list. In general, sexual offenses that involve a minor or the use of force will require registration on the state’s sex offender registration as a penalty alongside fines, incarceration, and probation.

The sex offender registry in Texas will show the following information about an offender:

• A description of the offense committed

• The name and date of birth of the offender

• A physical description of the offender, including a photograph

• Vehicle details

• Residential and employment addresses

Depending on the severity of the sexual offense, local police may be the only people able to view a record on the sex offender registry, as is the case for some low-risk sex offenders. However, high-risk sex offenders will have their information visible to anyone, and communities in Texas may receive notifications that a sex offender has moved into their neighborhood.

Contact a San Antonio, TX Sex Offense Defense Lawyer

Sex offenses on your record can have a serious impact on your future and could affect your ability to secure jobs or other opportunities. If you are facing charges for a sex crime, you will need to contact a San Antonio, TX sex offense defense attorney as soon as possible.

We will personally take your case through all the steps of the legal process, and will work to minimize the impacts of a sex offense on your future. Call Law Offices of Sam H. Lock at 210-226-0965 for a consultation.