What Are the Legal Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction?

How Can a Sex Crimes Conviction Change Your Life?

Being accused of a sex crime can change your life in an instant, and the consequences can be dire. If you’re facing allegations of inappropriate behavior, it’s imperative to understand what’s at stake and the legal consequences of a sex crime conviction you face so you can determine a path forward with the help of a sex crime attorney. 

Lengthy Prison Sentence

Being separated from your family and the larger community and forced to serve time is one of the biggest worries defendants have, and it’s a legitimate concern when it comes to sex crimes. 

For example, sexual assault is generally classified as either a second-degree or first-degree felony, depending on the relationship between the defendant and the alleged victim. A conviction for a second-degree felony can result in a sentence of up to 20 years, with a mandatory minimum of two years. A first-degree felony conviction for sexual assault can result in life imprisonment. 

The reality is that many sex crimes are categorized as serious felonies, and you need an attorney who has the experience necessary to do everything possible to help you avoid or minimize jail time. 

Mandatory Registration as a Sex Offender

Being convicted of a sex crime in Texas likely means that you will be required to register as a sex offender. This stigmatizing classification can have far-reaching repercussions on your reputation, standing in the community, and ability to live and work productively. Your personal information, such as your name, age, and home and work addresses, is public, and neighbors may receive notices when you move into the area. Any distinguishing marks, such as scars or tattoos, and your vehicle information are also listed on the registry, and anyone who looks up your information will also be able to find out what type of offense you were convicted of.

In many cases, those convicted of sex offenses will have to be on the sex offender registry for the rest of their lives, but even if you’re convicted of a lesser crime, you may still be forced to register for a period of 10 years, which is long enough to cause significant difficulties. 

Mandatory Supervision

Many people believe that once they serve their time, they are able to re-enter the community freely, but this often isn’t the case. Ongoing supervision, whether through parole or probation, is a common consequence of a sex crime conviction. This could mean that you have to attend regular meetings with your probation or parole officer and complete other requirements, such as community service work or counseling programs. 

Restrictions on Where You Can Live or What Jobs You Can Hold

Having a sex crimes conviction on your record can impact every area of your life, including where you can live and what career options you have. Sex offenders who are still under supervision are generally required to be at least 500 feet from a child safety zone, which includes places such as schools, daycares, and parks. This means that you won’t be able to buy or rent a home within these margins. 

Many landlords and potential employers do background checks before they rent to a tenant or hire a candidate. Even if you are no longer required to register as a sex offender, having a sex offense conviction on your record could make it harder for you to qualify for these opportunities. For example, jobs that work with vulnerable populations, such as minors, the elderly, or those with disabilities, usually require no convictions for sexual or violent offenses. 

If you already have a professional license, such as a doctor or teacher, a sex crimes conviction could result in your license being revoked. This can mean that you have to start over with a completely different career path as you’re trying to get through an already challenging time. 

Impacts to Parental Rights and Custody

When you’re facing allegations of sex crimes, it’s normal to be focused on the criminal penalties, like jail time and fines. However, the potential repercussions can also extend into other legal areas, such as the family court system. Even if your charges don’t relate to your own children — or children at all — a conviction for a sexual offense can potentially trigger divorce proceedings and a custody dispute. Judges can and do consider sex crime convictions when making determinations about parental fitness and the best interests of the children, especially if the victim was a minor. 

Prohibition on Owning a Gun

Gun ownership is a large part of life for many Texans, but having a felony conviction can affect whether you can own or use firearms. In most cases, if you are convicted of a felony, you cannot have a gun for at least five years after the full completion of your sentence, which includes any parole or probation time. This includes both for protection and recreational purposes, such as hunting. In some situations, you may be able to have a firearm at your home only if at least five years have passed.

Why Is Legal Representation Critical After a Sex Crime Allegation or Conviction?

Being accused of a sex crime is one of the most serious things that can happen to you, and it’s critical to respond appropriately. Getting in touch with a Houston criminal defense attorney who has experience with sex crimes cases can ensure you have legal counsel and understand what your next steps should be. If you’ve been accused of a sexual offense, whether it’s soliciting a prostitute or sexual assault of a child, our team can help.

Learn more about the potential legal consequences of a sex crime conviction. Call Drehner Law at 832-626-0063 to schedule a free consultation today.