What Should I Know About Megan’s Law and Parole Supervision for Life?
Individuals who are convicted of certain sex crimes in New Jersey may be subject to Megan’s Law sex offender registration and community notification provisions under the statute. They may also be sentenced to Community Supervision for Life (CSL) or Parole Supervision for Life (PSL), which carries additional rules and conditions imposed by the New Jersey Parole Board.
What are the Registration Requirements in New Jersey?
Under Megan’s Law, those convicted, adjudicated delinquent, or found not guilty by reason of insanity for commission of a sex offense must provide personal information to a sex offender internet registry. The purpose of this law is to alert the public when a potentially dangerous sex offender lives in or moves to their community.
To comply with Megan’s Law registration requirements in New Jersey, a person must provide a written statement acknowledging that they have been advised of their duty to register. Registrants must also include certain information, such as the following:
- Name
- Social security number
- Age
- Race
- Sex
- Date of birth
- Height and weight
- Hair and eye color
- Address
- Date and place of employment
- Date and place of each conviction
- Description of the crimes
Who is Subject to PSL?
In addition to Megan’s Law requirements, sex offenders may also be subject to PSL. Under the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, PSL is mandatory for those convicted of certain types of crimes, including:
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated criminal sexual assault
- Kidnapping
- Endangering the welfare of a child by engaging in sexual conduct.
- Luring
- Violating a condition of a special sentence of CSL.
- Attempting to commit any of the above
What are the Terms of PSL?
Individuals who are sentenced to PSL will be supervised and subject to all conditions set by a parole board. They must also comply with general requirements, including curfews, being subject to random drug tests and searches, and must obtain permission to move to a new residence or accept a new job. Those who violate a condition of PSL may be charged with an indictable offense and sentenced to additional jail time.
How is Lifetime Supervision Terminated?
Although PSL is a special sentence intended to last for the duration of the offender’s life, there are circumstances in which an offender may be released from lifetime parole supervision, as well as Megan’s Law reporting requirements.
For individuals to be eligible for release from Megan’s Law in New Jersey, 15 years must have passed since their conviction. They must also file a motion to be removed from Megan’s Law along with evidence showing that they are not likely to pose a threat to the safety of others. It also must be shown that they were not convicted of more than one sex offense and were not convicted of aggravated sexual assault or sexual assault involving acts of penetration using physical force or coercion.
To be eligible for release from PSL, an applicant must not have committed a crime for 15 years since the date of their last conviction or release from custody, whichever is later, and must not be likely to pose a threat to the safety of others if released. To determine if one is eligible for release, they should contact a lawyer right away.
Haddonfield Criminal Defense Lawyers at Aita Law, LLC Assist Clients in Getting Off the Megan’s Law Registry
If you are currently subject to Megan’s Law and PSL, contact one of our Haddonfield criminal defense lawyers at Aita Law, LLC to see if you qualify for release. Our experienced attorneys can evaluate your case and help guide you through the process. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 856-287-7800. Located in Haddonfield and Marlton, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout South Jersey, including Cherry Hill and Camden County.