Megan’s Law Update

A conviction for a sex offense in the State of New Jersey generally carries with it the requirement of Megan’s Law and parole supervision for life. Under some, but not all circumstances, an individual may move to terminate his or her registration requirements under Megan’s Law, as well as parole supervision for life if that person has remained offense-free for a period of 15 years following his or her conviction or release from imprisonment. In order to terminate Megan’s Law and parole supervision for life, an application must be made to the “Megan’s” judge in the county where the person is living at the time he or she files the application. The Court is then required to determine whether or not the person is likely to pose a threat to the safety of others.

Before 2018, the statute barred anyone who had been convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for aggravated sexual assault from terminating his or her registration requirements and parole supervision for life. Adults who were convicted of aggravated sexual assault prior to January 8, 2002, however, have been deemed eligible for termination of their registration requirements and parole supervision for life. On January 8, 2002, the statute barring anyone convicted of aggravated sexual assault from terminating his or her registration requirements and parole supervision for life became effective.

Nonetheless, the New Jersey Supreme Court determined that regardless of when a juvenile was adjudicated delinquent for the crime of aggravated sexual assault, the juvenile may apply for termination of the Megan’s Law requirements 15 years after the date of his or her juvenile adjudication, as long as that juvenile remained offense-free for 15 years from the date of the juvenile’s adjudication for aggravated sexual assault and as long as the individual applying to end the registration requirements can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that, in addition to not re-offending, he or she no longer poses a threat to others.

The legal team at The Law Offices of Christopher St. Johnhas successfully brought applications before the court to terminate parole supervision for life and registration under Megan’s Law. We help individuals understand the complexity of Megan’s Law from the original registration to potential termination of their registration requirements and parole supervision for life. For an initial consultation, contact us online or call us at 856-296-3481 today. Located in Haddonfield, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and Salem County.