Dallas Failure to Register as a Sex Offender Lawyers

Unbiased & Unwavering Defense You Can Trust

When you are accused of failing to register as a sex offender under 18 U.S.C. § 2250, you are facing a charge that can completely reshape your life for the worse. Many people in Dallas and throughout Texas turn to us for defense in sex crime cases because we fight without hesitation, we never judge our clients or what they’ve been through, and we have the experience to go toe-to-toe with federal prosecutors. Founding Attorney Patrick McLain is a retired Marine Corps military judge and federal prosecutor, which gives us insight into how these cases are built and how they can be challenged. Even if you think you missed the date to register as a sex offender as ordered by the court, you could still have options to mitigate any future penalties, so talk to us before you talk to a judge.

Let’s talk about your options to protect your future. Call (214) 238-9392 at any time and request an initial and confidential case review with our defense team.

Who Has to Register as a Sex Offender in Texas?

Sex offender registration requirements are strict, and they apply to many different types of sex crime-related convictions. In Texas, if you are convicted of certain sex crimes, you may be ordered to register for a set number of years or even for life. Failing to understand or comply with these requirements can lead to federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2250, which also applies to failing to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act as required through the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

People in Texas who may be required to register include those convicted of:

• Sex offenses against minors
• Sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault
• Possession, production, or distribution of child pornography
• Certain kidnapping or trafficking offenses involving minors
• Other qualifying federal or out-of-state sex offenses

What Happens If You Don’t Register?

Failure to register as a sex offender is not treated lightly. Federal prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, and penalties can be severe, sometimes more so than the penalties for the original sex crime conviction. The government must prove that you were required to register (or that you traveled in interstate or foreign commerce) and that you knowingly failed to register or update your registration.

Potential consequences of failing to register include:

• Federal prison sentence – Up to 10 years, depending on the circumstances.
• Increased restrictions – Longer or more burdensome registration requirements.
• Fines – Steep fines can be imposed, often increasing as prison sentences increase.
• State-level charges – You may also face state prosecution alongside federal charges.

Because these cases are tied to prior convictions, the impact can be compounded. You may already be struggling with the restrictions of registration, and failing to comply could add another layer of penalties that make moving forward even more difficult.

Let Us Help Protect Your Future

At the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, we fight to resolve matters of missed or late sex offender registrations as effectively and as amicably as possible, with the goal of reducing the fallout for you, your reputation, and your rights. Our approach is both aggressive in court and strategic outside of it.

When we take on your case, we can:

• Analyze the government’s evidence to determine if they can prove every element.
• Challenge intent by showing you did not knowingly fail to register.
• Identify procedural errors in how the government handled your case.
• Attempt to negotiate with prosecutors for reduced penalties or alternative resolutions.
• Stand up for your rights in court if your case goes to trial.

We know how much is on the line, and our priority is to minimize the harm this charge can cause to your life.

Get Powerful Defense Without Judgment – Call Now

Being accused of a sex crime, including failure to register, is an incredibly difficult burden. Many people in your position feel that no one is on their side. That’s where our team from the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC in Dallas steps in. We are not here to judge you. We are here to defend you, to fight for your rights, and to demand that your case is handled fairly by the criminal justice system.

Whether you are under investigation or have already been charged, call us at (214) 238-9392 or submit an online contact form now.