NJ Megan’s Law Tier Levels:

In New Jersey, certain sex offense convictions require Megan’s Law registration.  Convicted sex offenders will receive notice of a proposed tier from the Prosecutor’s Office.  However, Registrants have a right to contest the Prosecutor’s proposed tier level at a hearing.

In theory, tier designation corresponds to an offender’s risk of committing another sex offense.  Tier One indicates that a registrant poses a low risk of re-offense.  Registrants who pose a moderate risk of re-offense are classified as Tier Two offenders.  Tier Three signifies that a registrant poses a high risk of re-offense.

Sometimes, an offender’s tier does not accurately represent his risk of re-offense.  An offender has the right to ask the court to reduce his tier at any time.  For the best chance of success, it is important to retain an experienced attorney.

Challenging Tier Level:

Individuals can object to the proposed tier classification. They may also object to the scope of community notification. Therefore, it is vital to hire a lawyer who has experience with tier hearings in New Jersey.

An effective lawyer can:

• Challenge the State’s proposed RRAS score. First, a good lawyer will examine the facts and circumstances surrounding your offense history and accurately calculate your RRAS score.  There are often important discrepancies between the Prosecutor’s proposed score and defense counsel’s calculated score.  As a result, an attorney can provide evidence to the court and argue why you should receive a lower RRAS score.
• Successfully argue against the State’s proposed Tier.  Sometimes an offender’s RRAS score does not accurately represent his risk of re-offense.  Therefore, his tier should be lower.  An experienced attorney can argue that you pose a lower risk of committing another sex offense than the RRAS score indicates.  For that reason, an attorney may be able to demonstrate that your Tier level should be LOWER, which can affect who is notified of your offender status.
• Challenge the State’s intent to put you on the Internet Registry. There are many exceptions to placement on the NJ Internet Sex Offender Registry.  This is why it is important to discuss your case with a lawyer who understands the complexities of Megan’s Law.

Maynard Law Office, LLC Can Help You:

In sum, if you face a sex crimes conviction, you should know what lies ahead in your future and your options. At Maynard Law Office, LLC, our legal team has represented many clients and successfully lowered their tier level.  As a result, these clients have a lower tier and more privacy.  So, call our law firm today for a free consultation at (973) 540-0054!