COMMUNITY SUPERVISION FOR LIFE: AN ONEROUS CONSEQUENCE

Beyond the consequences of Megan’s Law (registration with local authorities, Internet registration), those who are convicted of certain sex offenses in New Jersey face another onerous consequence, the special sentence of Community Supervision for Life (CSL). CSL – also referred to as Parole Supervision for Life (PSL) – is a condition of parole that is imposed on certain sex offenders when they are released from prison.

The additional restrictions of CSL, which may include increased monitoring by a parole officer, unsanctioned and unannounced in-home visits, having to seek permission before traveling across state lines and other inconveniences. It is most often ordered for those who are convicted of serious sexually oriented offenses, including:

• Aggravated sexual assault
• Sexual assault
• Aggravated criminal sexual contact
• Certain kidnapping convictions
• Endangering the welfare of a child through sexual contact or child pornography

Limited Access to the Internet Could Mean Limited Access to Job Opportunities

New Jersey laws governing CSL allow law enforcement authorities to impose restrictions on a person’s ability to use the Internet. These onerous restrictions include:

• Needing prior written permission from the court to access or use a computer that has access to the Internet
• Allowing the authorities “periodic unannounced examinations” of an offender’s computer if the computer has access to the Internet
• The installation of software or hardware to monitor Internet usage
• Other reasonable restrictions on an offender’s access to the Internet on a computer or other Internet-capable device

Release From CSL

An offender that is sentenced to CSL is allowed to petition the court for termination of CSL. According to New Jersey law, the court can only permit termination of CSL if:

• No crime has been committed for 15 years since the last conviction or release from prison/jail, whichever is later; and
• The offender is “not likely to pose a threat to the safety of others”

If you are facing a sex offense charge, it is of the utmost importance that you seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A conviction on some offenses brings not only incarceration but also very restrictive, burdensome and embarrassing conditions to your life. An experienced attorney can help you fight the charges and protect your rights.