When sex offenders are placed on community supervision,
judges order that they perform or refrain from certain behaviors to successfully
complete their supervision terms. Conditions of supervision are unique
to each offender. There are often differences in conditions from one court
to another, as well as from one county to another. Although some conditions
are required by law, judges have wide discretion in mandating conditions
of supervision. The conditions discussed below are commonly found in supervision
orders coming from the Collin County Courts; however, judges may add,
delete or modify any of these conditions in any individual case.
Sex offenders on supervision must adhere to the standard
conditions of supervision common to all felony offenders. These conditions
include refraining from criminal conduct, drug/alcohol use and association
with felons, reporting to supervision officers as directed and submitting
to drug testing.
In addition to these conditions, sex offenders are required to attend
and participate in sex offender treatment with registered treatment providers.
These treatment groups typically meet once per week. As part of their
treatment, offenders are often confronted with cognitive distortions and
made aware of their offense cycles.
Offenders are responsible for a large portion of the
costs associated with their treatment.
Conditions regarding contact with children vary. Most sex offenders are
initially prohibited from any contact with children. Some offenders are
permitted to have supervised contact with their biological children. As
offenders participate and progress in sex offender treatment, their conditions
may be modified progressively to allow more supervised contact with children.
Sex offenders are not permitted to reside near schools or daycare centers,
and are prohibited from frequenting places where children are known to
congregate.
Sex offenders are prohibited from viewing or purchasing
pornography or going to sexually oriented businesses. They are typically
restricted from accessing the Internet.
