How Can I Be Removed from New Jersey’s Megan’s Law?
It is possible to be removed from New Jersey’s Megan’s Law after completing certain requirements and rules. Understanding what these requirements are and the process for filing for Megan’s Law removal will ensure that you have the best chances of getting your name removed from New Jersey’s sex offender list.
What is Megan’s Law?
Megan’s Law refers to a federal law that requires convicted sexual offenders to register their public information with the police. The state of New Jersey follows Megan’s Law, meaning that all residents are required to follow the rules of the law. While an individual is under the documentation and supervision of Megan’s Law, their actions are constantly supervised.
Process of Getting Removed from Megan’s Law
In some cases, offenders can be removed from Megan’s Law. This requires an application to the Superior Court of New Jersey, while also providing documentation that no other offenses have been committed within 15 years of the original conviction or the release of the individual from jail. It must also be decided that the individual is not likely to pose a public threat.
The state of New Jersey requires the following in order to be considered for removal from Megan’s Law:
- Individual must be 15 years free of any other convictions and demonstrate good behavior
- Report from an expert determining that the individual is not a public threat
The state of New Jersey does prohibit some crimes from being removed from the list. More serious sexual offenses are often ineligible for removal.
Why Consider Working With a Criminal Lawyer
There are many benefits to working with an experienced criminal lawyer that is familiar with New Jerseys’ laws when working toward your removal from Megan’s Law. Minimally, you can expect the process to take a few months, which can be time-consuming and expensive. The longer that your name is on the list, the longer that it can affect your career options or housing availability. When you work with a criminal lawyer who is familiar with the process, you can ensure that the right paperwork is submitted in a timely process.
Building your case requires the collection of certain documents. Your criminal defense lawyer will work to build your case with items like your conviction record, probation information, police reports and discovery, and any other records that will demonstrate your reduced risk of public threat. Your lawyer will also look at the details of your case and determine your eligibility for being removed from Megan’s Law. If you don’t meet the requirements, you could waste both time and money filing for removal.
Because Megan’s Law was not introduced to the state of New Jersey until 1994, the process of being removed from it with the minimum 15 years free of convictions is still a newer concept. This means it is important to consider the legal team that you’re working with and their experience with Megans’ Law.
Contact an Experienced Gloucester County Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Megan’s Law Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with a sex crime over 15 years ago in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Gelman Law, LLC have successfully represented clients filing to be removed from Megan’s Law in Cherry Hill, Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 474-1450 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 1940 W Rte. 70, Suite 4, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
