What are the Requirements for Megan’s Law?

Megan’s Law is named after Megan Kanka, a seven-year-old who was raped and murdered by her neighbor, who was a convicted sex offender. If you have been prosecuted for a sexual offense, you will be required to follow the regulations instituted under Megan’s Law.

While Megan’s Law exists at the federal level, every state has implemented its own version. Megan’s Law strives to keep the community safe by notifying individuals that a sex offender resides in their neighborhood. Additionally, sex offenders are required to register on the New Jersey sex offender registry, allowing an offender’s information to be retrievable to the public.

In this blog, our South Jersey Megan’s Law attorneys discuss the requirements under Megan’s Law and how you can get your name removed from the online registry.

Who is Required to Register Under Megan’s Law?

If you committed a sexual offense after October 31, 1994, or were serving your sentence on that date, you must register on the New Jersey sex offender registry. You will be required to renew your registration annually. Additionally, you must report any changes of address to your local police department at least 10 days prior to your move. If you move from another state to New Jersey, you must register within at least 10 days of your relocation.

If you fail to register, this is a crime of the fourth degree, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a fine of $10,000. If you are unsure of whether you should register, the Megan’s Law attorneys at The Law Office of Christopher St. John can provide you with guidance. Megan’s Law is complex, but we are happy to clarify any confusion so that you are sure to adhere to the law.

New Jersey Sex Offender Registry

Under N.J. Stat. §2C:7-2, a person found guilty of a sex crime must register on the state’s online sex offender registry once they are released from prison. Sexual offenses that require registration include:

• Aggravated sexual assault
• Sexual assault
• Kidnapping (if the victim is younger than 16 years old and the offender solicits the victim for pecuniary gain)
• Aggravated criminal sexual contact
• Criminal sexual contact if the victim is a minor
• Endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct

Risk Level Assessment

Once you are registered, the county prosecutor will receive notification from the local police department. The prosecutor will weigh your risk to the community by classifying you on a tier system. If you are a tier 1 offender (low risk), law enforcement agencies will be notified. If you are classified as a tier 2 offender, you pose a moderate risk to the community. Therefore, schools, licensed daycare centers, summer camps, and registered community organizations will be notified of your status. If you are classified as a tier 3 offender, you pose a high risk to the community. Besides all the above entities being given notice, members of the public will also be notified of your sex offender status. 

How Long are Sex Offenders Required to Be on the Registry?

Sex offenders must be registered for life, but you can request that the court remove your name from the registry if the following apply to you:

• You committed only one sexual offense
• Have had a clean record for at least 15 years
• Did not commit aggravated sexual assault or sexual assault involving sexual penetration under force or coercion
• Do not pose a safety threat to the community

South Jersey Megan’s Law Attorneys Advocating for You

If you are interested in potentially having your name removed from the sex offender registry, you need knowledgeable counsel working on your behalf. At The Law Office of Christopher St. John, our South Jersey Megan’s Law attorneys have the necessary determination to show the positive influence you have on your community and how you have met the criteria under the law to have your good name restored. To schedule your free consultation, do not hesitate to contact us online or by phone.