In New Jersey, some registrants face “re-tiering” if circumstances change. This means that a registrant’s assigned tier level and scope of notification may change.

What triggers a re-tiering?

• Relocation – If a registrant moves to a new county in New Jersey, he will be tiered again.  Even if a registrant is Tier 1 in one county, the Prosecutor’s Office in the county to which he moves conducts a review. The prosecutor in the new county may propose a different tier level.  In many cases, the prosecutor has proposed an increased tier level and placement on the Internet Sex Offender Registry.
• Change of employment – If a registrant changes employment, then he may be subject to another tier hearing.
• Starting school – Whether a registrant is attending high school or starting college, he may be subject to a new tier hearing.

How does Re-Tiering Work?

First, the Prosecutor will notify the registrant of the proposed tier level and the scope of notice.  A registrant can hire an attorney to represent him/her at this tier hearing.  It is vital to hire an experienced attorney after you receive notice of an intent to re-assign your “tier” level.

At this hearing, your tier level and scope of notification may change. For example, the Prosecutor may seek to increase your previous tier level. The Prosecutor may also attempt to expand the list of who will have knowledge of your sex offender status. Finally, the judge ultimately decides the registrant’s tier level and scope of notification. However, a registrant has a right to appeal the judge’s decision.

How Maynard Law Office, LLC can help:

In some cases, re-tiering can be an opportunity to argue for a LOWER tier level.  Maynard Law Office, LLC, has represented many clients at tier hearings. We successfully have been able to reduce in tier levels and remove our clients from the Internet Sex Offender Registry. Our legal team takes a careful look at the available discovery and obtain expert opinions to accurately compute a registrant’s RRAS score. Next, we analyze the client’s case and prepare a persuasive legal argument to secure the lowest possible tier level.

At Maynard Law Office, LLC, our attorneys have a vast knowledge of sex offense law and New Jersey Megan’s law. As a result, we have obtained many tier reductions for clients. Call us today for a free consultation at (973) 540-0054!