Being labeled as a sex offender or sexual predator is not something to take lightly. And while all offenders must register after they are released from prison, there are different sex offender levels for that registration. Understanding the different levels of sex offender registration is important for all Texas residents. The criteria for assigning a level of risk is set by the Risk Assessment Review Committee, which was established by the Department of Criminal Justice.
Using this criterion and a screening tool created by the Risk Assessment Review Committee, the courts and other necessary entities, based on circumstances and crimes involved, will assign a level of risk to each offender.
Though most states have a similar system of assigning a level of offense to an offender, there are some minor differences among the various areas of the United States.
The duration of registration is dependent on whether an offender is found to be a sexual predator or is convicted of a violent sexual crime. Offenders convicted of being a sexual predator or for violent sexual crimes are required to register for life. When a criminal is released from prison and registers as a sex offender, this information is publically visible on the Texas State Sex Offender Registry.
Neighborhood residents can search their communities to find registered sex offenders living nearby. Some people may not find the risk acceptable even with level 1 offenders, so this information is made readily available to the public. Offenders classified within this group are considered to pose a low danger risk to the general public.
