The consequences of committing a sex crime in Texas often extend far beyond the sentence for the underlying criminal act. Even after that sentence has been served, convicted sex offenders may be subjected to a whole host of restrictions. In addition to having to comply with sex offender registration requirements, some convicted offenders are subject to restrictions on where they can live and work and who they can be around.
It is important to maintain compliance with these restrictions, as failure to do so can have serious consequences. For example, earlier this summer, a Dothan man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of coming too close to a previous victim.
In 2010, the man was convicted on two counts of second-degree sodomy. He was sentenced to seven years in prison on each of the charges, but that sentence was suspended in favor of five years or probation.
This summer, the man was convicted of two violations of Texas's community notification act. It was alleged that he had been inside the same home as his former victim and that he was not carrying the required sex offender identification.
In addition to the 10-year sentence for the notification act violations, the man will also be required to serve his initial seven-year prison sentence, since getting so close to his victim violated the requirements of his probation. The sentences will be served consecutively.
Texas Probation Violations
This incident goes to show how important it is to comply with the requirements of your probation, whether you have been convicted of a sex offense or any other crime. Although the requirements may seem burdensome, the consequences of ignoring them can be even worse.
If you have any questions about your probation requirements, be sure to discuss them with your Texas criminal defense attorney.
Dothan Eagle: "Sex offender gets 10-year sentence for being too close to victim," Matt Elofson, July 19, 2012.
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