What is International Megan’s Law (“IML”)?

First, IML requires those who must register as a sex offender and who were convicted of a sex offense against a minor to possess a special passport.  Also, in some cases, IML applies to those adjudicated as juveniles.

Anyone who is subject to IML will have a passport that contains a “unique identifier.”  This identifier shows that the person was “convicted of a sex offense against a minor.”  Those who already have a passport must surrender their old passport.  Moreover, they will be provided with a new passport containing the unique identifier.

IML does not prohibit registrants from leaving the U.S. and traveling to other countries.  However, “covered sex offenders” who wish to travel outside the U.S. will have their passports marked with the following:

“The bearer was convicted of a sex offense against a minor, and is a covered sex offender…”

Having this “scarlet letter” on your passport may hinder your ability to travel freely overseas.

Who Must Possess the Special Passport for Sex Offenders?

IML applies to “covered sex offenders.”

A “covered sex offender” is:

• someone who was convicted of certain sex offenses against a minor,

AND

• is currently required to register under the sex offender laws of any jurisdiction.

Legal Services Offered by Maynard Law Office, LLC:

If you are a sex offender and want to travel overseas, then you should consult with a lawyer.  Our law firm offers two main legal services to assist those who want to travel and not be hindered by the special passport for sex offenders:

• Removal from Megan’s Law Registry – First, only “covered sex offenders” are subject to IML.  In other words, if a registrant is REMOVED from Megan’s Law and does not have to register in any other state or jurisdiction, then he may not be subject to IML.
• Full Case Review – Our firm also conducts full case reviews. In the past, we have found legal errors in our clients’ cases.  As a result, our firm was able to show why those clients never should have been put on a sex offender registry. Thus, it is likely that those clients will not need to possess a unique passport pursuant to IML.  In sum, if our firm finds legal anomalies in your case indicating that your sex offender registration was improper, then you may not have to comply with IML.

Contact Maynard Law Office, LLC at 973-540-0054 or by email for a free consultation.