The first step is determining whether your Texas conviction or adjudication may meet the statutory requirements for early termination of registration.
Eligibility depends upon the qualifying reportable conviction or adjudication, the registration requirements that apply to that offense, and other requirements established by Texas law.
Individuals seeking early deregistration must submit an application to the Texas Council on Sex Offender Treatment.
CSOT currently uses Form 3246 — Eligibility Determination Application for Early Termination of a Person’s Obligation to Register.
Applicants may be required to submit court records, state and federal fingerprint-based criminal history information, other required documentation, and the applicable administrative fee.
CSOT reviews this information and determines whether the individual is eligible to proceed.
After receiving CSOT approval, the individual may select a Council-Approved Deregistration Evaluation Specialist to complete the required evaluation.
Not every psychologist, counselor, or Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider is authorized to perform deregistration evaluations. The evaluator must meet CSOT requirements and be specifically approved by the Council.
Dr. V. Jean Stanley is a Council-Approved Deregistration Evaluation Specialist.
The deregistration evaluation is a comprehensive forensic assessment conducted according to the methodology established by CSOT.
Depending upon the circumstances of the case and applicable evaluation requirements, the process may include:
The purpose of the evaluation is to provide independent, objective, and empirically based findings. The evaluator does not serve as an advocate for or against deregistration.
After the evaluation is completed, the Deregistration Evaluation Specialist submits the required report to CSOT for review.
CSOT reviews the evaluation in accordance with its established requirements.
The evaluator reports the findings of the assessment but does not make the decision to deregister the individual or provide an opinion directing the court to grant deregistration.
After completion of the required evaluation process, an eligible individual may pursue the legal process for early termination of the obligation to register.
The motion is filed with the appropriate trial court, and Texas law specifies the documentation that must accompany the request, including the required individual risk assessment report.
Because this is a legal proceeding, individuals may wish to consult an attorney familiar with Texas sex offender registration law regarding preparation and filing of the motion.
The judge ultimately determines whether the individual’s obligation to register will be terminated early.
The court may deny the request without conducting a hearing or may hold a hearing before determining whether the request will be granted or denied.
Neither CSOT nor the Deregistration Evaluation Specialist can guarantee that deregistration will be granted.
No. Specific statutory eligibility requirements must be met. The Texas Council on Sex Offender Treatment determines whether an individual is eligible to proceed with the deregistration evaluation process.
You do not need an attorney simply to apply to the State for an eligibility determination.
The later stages of deregistration involve a legal proceeding before the sentencing court. Pathways cannot provide legal advice or represent you in that proceeding. Individuals may benefit from consulting an attorney familiar with Texas sex offender registration law.
No. CSOT approval means you have been determined eligible to proceed with the required evaluation and subsequent process. It does not mean deregistration has been granted.
No. The Deregistration Evaluation Specialist conducts an independent forensic evaluation and reports the findings required by the CSOT methodology.
The evaluator does not decide whether deregistration should be granted. The final decision belongs to the court.
No. Completion of the evaluation—and the findings of the evaluation—do not guarantee that the court will terminate the registration requirement.
If you have received written confirmation from CSOT that you are eligible to proceed, contact Pathways Forensic & Mental Health Services to schedule your deregistration evaluation.
Please have your CSOT eligibility documentation available. Our office will provide information regarding scheduling, fees, required records, and what to expect during the evaluation.