Persons on Parole or Probation
Authored By: Partnership for Legal Access
Information
Duty to report
Q. I was on probation or parole when the hurricane struck. I left to escape the hurricane and am currently staying in Texas. Do I still need to report to my probation officer or parole officer?
A. Yes. Despite the hurricane disaster, you still are under court order to report your location and status. Failure to report may be a violation the terms of your probation or parole and may subject you to further criminal action.
Where to report
Q. I can't locate my probation officer or parole officer. How do I report?
A. Call the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at 1-866-680-6667. This number is answered 24 hours a day.
Persons from Louisiana should also contact the State of Louisiana Correction Services, Division of Probation and Parole at 1-800-869-2909.
These agencies will give you additional instructions on where and how to report your status in order for you to stay in compliance with the terms of your probation or parole.
Information to provide
Q. What information may I have to provide when I call to report in?
A. Be prepared to give as much of the following information as possible:
- The name and Louisiana location of your probation or parole officer
- Court that entered the conviction or probation order
- Your former address
- Your current address
- Your current telephone number, if any
- Your current email address, if any
- Contact information (the name, phone number, and address of relatives, friends, or others who will know where you are, in case you change locations again)
- Your current employer, if any
- Your plans for the near future
- Other information requested
Sex Offenders
Sex offender registration is governed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 62.
Q. A court determined that I committed a sexual offense that requires me to register as a "sex offender." What do I need to do about registering as a sex offender during my evacuation from the hurricane?
A. In Texas a person with a reportable conviction or adjudication must register as a sex offender. Sometimes this requirement is a condition of parole, release to mandatory supervision, or community supervision.
This registration and reporting obligation is in addition to the requirement to report to your probation or parole officer.
Offenders who are in Texas must register even if they are juveniles or from outside of Texas.
The hurricane and resulting disaster do not excuse offenders' duty to comply with Texas laws regarding registration of sex offenders.
Q. What are the conditions and deadlines for registering as a sex offender in Texas?
A. An offender must register if he or she:
Resides or intends to reside more than seven days: An offender who is required to register must do so with the local law-enforcement authority in any city or county where he or she resides or intends to reside for more than seven days. Registration must take place no later than seven days after an offender arrives the city or county.
Spends 48 consecutive hours: An offender who, on at least three occasions during any month, spends more than 48 consecutive hours in a city or county in Texas, other than the city or county in which he or she is registered, must register with the local law-enforcement authority before the last day of the month. A change in residence may include moving from one shelter to another, or moving from one residence or hotel to another.
Q. What do I do if I change my address while in Texas?
A. An offender must also report to the local law enforcement authority each time he or she changes address.
Before you move: An offender who changes his or her address must report, in person, to the local law-enforcement authority with whom he or she last registered and to the juvenile probation officer, community supervision officer, and corrections department officer, or parole officer supervising him or her, no later than seven days before moving.
After you move: An offender who changes his or her address must register, in person, with the new local law-enforcement agency no later than seven days after making the change of address.
If you have already missed these deadlines, register and report in anyway.
Q. What do I do if I have a change in job status, health status, or educational status?
A. An offender must also report to the local law-enforcement authority, no later than seven days after:
- Losing a job, getting a new job, or changing job locations.
- Hospitalization
- Transfer from one educational facility to another.
Q. What is the "local law-enforcement authority" to contact to register or report?
A. Contact the city's local police department or the county sheriff's department. Tell the intake officer that you are an evacuee and need to register as a sex offender.
If you are uncertain where to register, call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-512-424-2279 and ask how you should report.
Q. What is the penalty for failing to register as a sex offender?
A. Generally, failure to register or report as a sex offender is a felony offense.
Q. Where can I find out more about registering as a sex offender?
A. Offenders may want to check with their own attorneys. Also see the Frequently Asked Questions on the following website: www.sexcriminals.com/megans-law/us/texas/.
