What Is Megan’s Law?

“Megan’s Law” refers to New Jersey’s system of laws requiring certain persons convicted of sex crimes to register with law enforcement and, in many cases, be subject to public notification. The law was enacted in 1994 in response to the tragic case of Megan Kanka, and is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:7-1 et seq.

The two core components of Megan’s Law are:

1. Registration — Individuals convicted (or adjudicated delinquent or found not guilty by reason of insanity) of eligible sex offenses must register with designated law enforcement agencies, provide identifying information, and regularly verify their whereabouts.
2. Community Notification — Depending on the assessed risk (“tier”) of the offender, certain information may be released to law enforcement, community organizations, and the public.

Who Must Register Under Megan’s Law?

Not every sex crime triggers registration. But many serious offenses do, such as:

• Aggravated sexual assault
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated criminal sexual contact
• Criminal sexual contact involving minors
• Offenses involving child pornography
• Luring or enticing a child
• Kidnapping or criminal restraint when tied to sexual conduct

A person convicted in another state may be required to register in New Jersey if they live, work, or study here under certain conditions (e.g., more than 14 consecutive days or 30 days total).

What Are the Requirements & Restrictions Under Megan’s Law?

Once registered, an individual must comply with various obligations:

• Provide personal and identifying information (address, employment, computer use, etc.)
• Verify one’s address periodically (every 90 days for more serious cases; annually in others)
• Notify law enforcement when changing address or employment, or relocating to New Jersey from another jurisdiction.
• The registrant’s information may be published in the Sex Offender Internet Registry or otherwise shared with public and community stakeholders, depending on tier classification.

Violations of these obligations—such as failure to register or failure to update address—are themselves crimes under New Jersey law. For example, failure to register can be a third-degree offense with penalties including up to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000.

Can a Person Be Removed from Megan’s Law in South Jersey?

Yes—under limited circumstances. An individual subject to lifetime registration may petition the New Jersey Superior Court to terminate the registration requirement if they meet specific criteria:

• They have had no additional criminal convictions for at least 15 years following conviction or release from custody (whichever is later).
• They are not likely to pose a danger to public safety.
• They have only one registerable sex offense, and it was not aggravated sexual assault (in some instances).

Note: Individuals convicted of multiple sex offenses or especially serious sex crimes may not be eligible for termination. Moreover, recent developments have changed some rules for juveniles, making the 15-year “offense-free” requirement optional in certain juvenile registration cases.

How Megan’s Law Affects Everyday Life

Being listed as a sex offender under Megan’s Law can have profound, long-lasting consequences beyond criminal penalties:

• Your name, address, photograph, offense, and risk level may become publicly accessible, including via the Internet registry.
• Employers, landlords, schools, and neighbors may learn about the conviction during background checks.
• You may face restrictions on where you can live or work, especially near schools or child-focused facilities.
• You’ll live under ongoing scrutiny and legal obligation for as long as registration remains in effect.

If you or a loved one is facing sex crime charges or dealing with Megan’s Law registration obligations in New Jersey, this is not something to handle on your own. The Law Office of Christopher St. John provides dedicated, experienced representation for sex offense and registration matters. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to explore your options and protect your rights.