What is the NJ Internet Sex Offender Registry?

Some NJ sex offenders may appear on the Internet Sex Offender Registry.  This is in addition to community notification.  A registrant’s personal information will remain on the Internet Registry for the duration of his/her registration period in New Jersey.  However, a registrant may file a tier reduction motion and seek removal from NJ’s Internet Registry.

• Offender’s name and any aliases
• Sex offense conviction
• Date and location of disposition
• Brief description of sex offense, including victim’s gender and indication of whether the victim was less than 18 years old or less than 13 years old at time of offense.
• General description of the offender’s modus operandi, if any
• Determination of whether offender’s tier and risk of re-offense is moderate or high
• Offender’s age, race, sex, date of birth, height, weight, hair, eye color, and any distinguishing scars or tattoos
• Photograph of the offender
• Make, model, color, year and license plate of any vehicle operated by the offender
• Street address, zip code, municipality and county in which offender resides

See N.J.S.A. 2C:7-13(g).

Also, the information published on the New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry is also made available through a national registry maintained by the U.S. government.

Who may appear on the NJ Internet Sex Offender Registry?

1. Registrant whose risk of re-offense is high (Tier 3) or moderate (Tier 2);
2. Registrant whose risk of re-offense is low AND whose conduct was “repetitive and compulsive”; and
3. Those the Court orders notification regardless of the offender’s age (See N.J.S.A. 2C:7-8(c)(3)).

Individuals who may be exempt from the Internet Registry:

Even if a registrant is designated a Tier 2 offender, there are some exceptions to placement on the Internet registry.

Such exceptions include:

• • statutory offenses based on age of victim and offender,
  • incest offenses,
  • and juveniles offenders

Why Is Internet Registry Removal Important?

Since the NJ Internet Sex Offender Registry is publicly accessible, it is crucial to hire an experienced lawyer to challenge the State’s attempts to place you or a loved one on the Internet Registry.

Having your name and personal information on the Internet Registry may jeopardize your employment or hinder future job opportunities.

Also, placement on the Internet Registry may affect your reputation in your community.  As a result, you or your loved ones may face scorn and judgment by neighbors, family, and friends, who can view this information.

How do I contest placement?

• You can challenge placement on the Internet Registry at an initial tier hearing or a tier reduction hearing.  It is crucial to retain an experienced attorney to advocate for you.
  • First, the prosecutor will present evidence as to a registrant’s proposed tier level and scope of notification.
  • Then, the defense attorney can rebut the state’s proposed level, and can argue that the Registrant’s actual risk level is much lower than what the State argues. The defense lawyer also can correct factual errors related to the original offense and present evidence of an offender’s rehabilitation.

The tiering process is complicated.  Besides evidence, there is a lot of case law that governs how the evidence is to be interpreted.  A skilled lawyer, knowledgeable in Megan’s Law, will fight for your interests.  Moreover, even if a registrant is placed on the Internet registry after a tier hearing, he can file an appeal and notification can be stayed.

How Our Law Firm Can Help:

Maynard Law Office, LLC has a lot of experience representing individuals at initial tier hearings and tier reduction hearings.  Our attorneys have successfully obtained a lower tier for many clients.  Also, we have an in-depth understanding of Megan’s Law, and know the case-law and procedures to obtain removal from the New Jersey Internet Sex Offender Registry.

Call us today for a free consultation at (973) 540-0054!