Megan’s Law was enacted in 1994 after 7 year-old Megan Kanka of Hamilton Township, New Jersey was murdered by Jesse Timmendequas, a convicted sex offender who had recently moved into a home across the street from the Kanka family after being released from a New Jersey correctional center. The law established a registration system for all sex offenders, and it is offense and offender driven. Although it was rightly created and designed to help protect children, if you have been charged with a sex offense, you will need a lawyer who is familiar with both State and federal laws.
Here are some facts about Megan’s Law you may need to know…
Who Must Register
Knowing the ins and outs of the laws and whether or not you need to register can be complicated and confusing. You need a competent defense lawyer by your side. A handful of items are considered when determining whether or not you need to register, including…
- The type of offense you were convicted for attempting (Classified Repetitive and Compulsive or Nonrepetitive and Compulsive Offenders)
- The date of the offense
- How often you must verify your address
For in-depth information on who must register, please visit this link.
Who Cannot Be Removed from the Registry
Next, you cannot be removed from the registry if you have been convicted of aggravated sexual assault or sexual assault. Also, you cannot be removed from the registry if you have committed more than one sex offense, whether you were convicted, an adjudicated delinquent, or acquitted by reason of insanity. If you are confused by these terms or need help, contact Mark Catanzaro today.
Who Can Be Removed from the Registry
Finally, you may file a motion to be removed from the State Registry if…
- Fifteen years have passed since your last offense
- You were under the age of 14 when adjudicated delinquent for a sex offense and you have reached the age of 18
The filing process can be long, challenging, and tedious, and if you are denied it can be even more overwhelming. But do not worry. With the right lawyer by your side, you will not face those challenges alone.
Hire Your New Jersey Megan’s Law Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with a sex crime or your motion to be removed from the registry has been denied, you will need an experienced and tough lawyer by your side to defend you. Contact Mark Catanzaro today!