New Jersey Megan's Law Attorney

In 1994, the State of New Jersey enacted the Registration and Community Notification Laws (RCNL). These laws, also known as Megan's law, compel convicted sex offenders to register with law enforcement. These individuals are required to submit information such as their name, date of birth, fingerprints, social security number, age, weight, hair color, eye color, place of residence, and place of employment to local law enforcement authorities. Megan's law requires convicted sex offenders to be placed in a tier, which indicates their likelihood to re-offend and the threat they pose to the community. The tier is determined by a Registrant Risk Assessment Scale (RRAS). The RRAS uses things such as the individual's offense history, the seriousness of the offense, the individual's personal characteristics, and the individual's ties to and support within the community. A New Jersey Megan's lawyer can be of assistance to those individuals that desire to be reclassified in a lower tier category.

Megan's Law Tiers

There are three tiers in which convicted sex offenders can be placed according to Megans law. These categories are low, medium, and high. The category in which an individual is placed will determine the level of community notification required. Tier placement can significantly impact the individual's family, employment opportunities, and housing opportunities. 

Low Risk – Tier 1

Individuals considered tier 1 offenders are considered very unlikely to re-offend and are not viewed as a threat to the general public. For this reason, only local law enforcement and the victim and their family must be notified of the individual's presence within the community.

Medium Risk – Tier 2

Tier 2 offenders present a slightly higher risk to the community. Not only will local law enforcement authorities and the victims be notified of the victims whereabouts, but schools and community organizations will receive notification as well.

High Risk – Tier 3

Individuals that are considered tier 3 are believed to be at a higher risk of re-offending and pose a real danger to those in the community. For this reason, there are many within the community that will be notified of the offender's presence in the community. In addition to local law enforcement authorities, the victim, public and private schools, and community organizations, other members of the community in which the individuals may come in contact must be notified of the individual's status as a sex offender.

Offenders considered a moderate to high risk to the community will be included on the New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry as well. Obtaining the lowest tier classification possible is of the utmost importance, and a New Jersey Megans attorney can help individuals achieve a lower classification. Individuals have the right to a hearing in regard to their tier classification, and a NJ Megans lawyer can argue for a less serious tier classification on the individual's behalf.

Terminating the Obligation to Register

After 15 years, it may be possible for an individual's obligation to register as a sex offender to be terminated. A motion to terminate must be filed with the courts, and it will be in the individual's best interests to have the assistance of an experienced NJ Megans attorney during these proceedings.