Megan’s Law in Sex Offender Cases

Middlesex County Sex Offender Defense Lawyer

A life changing consequence of being convicted of most sex offenses is Megan’s Law. This provision of the New Jersey Criminal Code requires that an individual register as a sex offender with community notification. The impact of Megan’s Law can be significant. A lawyer at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help you avoid a conviction which triggers the requirements of Megan’s Law and/or to minimize your reporting/notification. To speak one of the attorneys on our staff, contact our New Brunswick Office at 732-246-7126. Initial consultations are free of charge.

Megan’s Law in New Jersey Sex Crime Cases

Megan’s Law was passed and became effective on October 31, 1994 and applies if a criminal defendant is convicted, adjudicated delinquent, or found not guilty by reason of insanity to any of the following criminal offenses or an attempt to commit any of the following:

  • Aggravated Sexual Assault
  • Sexual Assault
  • Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact
  • Kidnapping (where the victim is less than sixteen (16) years old)
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Minor by Engaging in Sexual Contact with a Minor
  • Endangering the Welfare of a Minor by knowingly receiving for the purpose of selling, knowingly sells, procures, manufactures, gives, provides etc. through any means (including the internet) any photos, films, videos, etc. which depict a child engaging in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such an act
  • Luring or Enticing a Minor
  • Criminal Sexual Contact (if the victim is under the age of eighteen (18))
  • Criminal Restraint (where the victim is under 18 and the offender is not the parent)

For someone convicted of one of these offense, the degree of supervision is predicated on whether they are classified as a Tier I, Tier II or Tier III offender. The classification with the highest degree of notification and supervision is Tier III. At a minimum, however, every registered sex offender must report to their local police annually, as well as report any change in residency.

Termination of Registration and/or Parole Supervision

A sex offenders can be removed from Megan’s Law and have his/her notification and supervision terminated after fifteen (15) years.  The law requires that an applicant present a psycho-sexual report from a medical expert that indicates that you are at low risk of re-offending and that you have not committed a violation in at least fifteen (15) years.

New Brunswick NJ Megan’s Law Defense Attorney

All Megan’s Law proceedings are conducted in Middlesex County at the Superior Court in New Brunswick. Whether it is a Tier Hearing, a failure to register charge, removal from Megan’s Law or even the defense of a sex offense that falls within mandatory sex offender registration, this will happen in New Brunswick whether you were arrested in SayrevilleNew BrunswickPerth Amboy, Carteret or Middlesex. An attorney with experience handling cases at this court is available immediately at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall. Call us in New Brunswick anytime of day or night at 732-246-7126.