WHAT IS A “TIER LEVEL” IN NJ?

A sex offender is given a “tier level” in New Jersey. The judge decides a person’s tier level at a court hearing. There are three tier levels: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. A person’s tier level determines who receives notification of his/her sex offender status. Also, tier level affects whether a person’s information is put on the Internet registry.

HOW TIER LEVEL IS DECIDED:

• First, the prosecutor proposes your tier level. You should talk to a lawyer to discuss your tier level and legal options.
• Next, the trial court holds a tier hearing.  The prosecutor presents evidence to the court in support of the proposed tier level. Through a lawyer, a registrant can also provide evidence to the court. An attorney experienced in sex offense law knows which kinds of evidence may result in a lower tier level.
• Finally, the judge decides the person’s tier level and who will be told of the person’s sex offender status.
• However, the registrant can appeal the court’s decision.

LEGAL SERVICES OUR FIRM OFFERS:

INITIAL TIER HEARING:

It is vital to consult with an experienced sex offense lawyer before your tier hearing. Our law firm has successfully argued against proposed tier levels. As a result, some clients have not been put on the Internet registry or were placed on a tier level lower than that requested by the prosecutor.

TIER REDUCTION HEARINGS:

Registrants who move to a new county in NJ may also be “re-tiered.”  Our law firm has represented clients at these hearings. In many cases, we have also successfully argued that a client should be given a lower tier level than what the Prosecutor proposed.

Contact Maynard Law Office, LLC today!

Lawyers at Maynard Law Office, LLC examine each client’s case and try to obtain the lowest possible tier level.  Our law firm is committed to fighting for the rights of those on Megan’s Law.  So call us at (973) 540-0054 for a free consultation!