Is It Possible to Avoid Megan’s Law’s Sex Registry Requirements in NJ?

Megan’s Law, which was passed in 1994, requires all convicted sex offenders to be registered with the New Jersey Sex Offender Registry after they serve their time in jail. The law came into being after a seven-year-old girl, Megan Kanka, was sexually assaulted and killed in Hamilton Township, NJ, by a neighbor. The existence of the registry may be common knowledge, but some lesser-known details might be of interest.

• Sex offenders always have to report address changes within 10 days prior to moving at all. Some might even need to verify their address every 90 days.
•  Megan’s Law imposes a lifetime sentence with regard to this registry requirement. Regardless of their age at the time of conviction, sex offenders will be listed on the registry for the rest of their lives.
• If you’re deemed a high-risk offender, police will notify members of the public when you move to a new neighborhood.

Most of the time, people who are convicted sex offenders are doomed to be part of the registry and face the associated stigma for the rest of their lives. This can impact one’s ability to get a job, a place to live and, if enough people know about your record, may affect your ability to make and keep relationships.

If you’ve already been charged with a sex crime, there are two ways that you can possibly avoid having to deal with Megan’s Law. The first option is the obvious; fight the charge with all your might. Hire the best criminal defense lawyer you can afford.

Another option, which an offender won’t be eligible for until 15 years after their sex offense conviction is to file an appeal to be removed from the sex offender registry in New Jersey. In order to apply for this option, you:

• May not have been convicted of any sex crimes in the past 15 years
• Must be able to prove you are not a threat to the public
• Juvenile sex offenders can also apply if they were between the ages of 14 and 18 when they were convicted

Both options require the help of a highly qualified, fearless and intelligent lawyer. If you need a lawyer to fight a sex offense charge, call the law offices of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC right away. We protect the rights of citizens throughout Middlesex, Essex, Union and Bergen counties in New Jersey. We will fight for your rights, too. Call today for a consultation about your situation.