South Jersey Megan’s Law Tier Classification Appeal Attorney

Knowledgeable Megan’s Law Tier Classification Lawyer Deftly Handles Criminal Cases in Camden County, Burlington County, and Throughout New Jersey

Persons convicted of sex crimes in New Jersey will be classified under Megan’s Law. Officially codified as N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2 (specifically, with important definitions contained in N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2b), this law requires certain sex offenders to notify their community (such as their neighbors and schools) and register with local law enforcement agencies regarding their sex offender status. Depending on the individual’s Megan’s Law classification, different rules, restrictions, and requirements apply. For assistance with lowering or revising your Megan’s Law status, contact a South Jersey Megan’s Law tier classification appeal attorney at Gelman Law, LLC today. Our Megan’s Law tier classification lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ will review your case and complete the steps necessary to file for a review and/or a reassessment.

Understanding Sex Offender Laws with an Experienced Megan’s Law Tier Classification Lawyer in Camden County, NJ

Not all sex crimes are the same. Megan’s Law requires convicted sex offenders to undergo a tier classification that places a number figure on the risk they potentially pose to the community. This assessment takes into consideration the initial sex crime that was committed, where the individual lives now, whether they have undergone any rehabilitation, etc., and assigns points to the individual. These points place the individual into a specific tier and determine how and how much notification the individual must provide to their community.

Some of the factors that will determine your Megan’s Law tier include:

• The seriousness of the offense for which you were convicted;
• Your offense history;
• Your response to treatment and/or participation in relevant interventions;
• Any substance abuse history;
• Any relevant community support, education support, employment support, or residential support you may have received.

A Registrant Risk Assessment (RRAS) is used to do this. It covers four categories and assesses the sex offender on thirteen different criteria. The total score that the offender receives will determine the tier they are placed in which, in turn, determines the nature and level of public notification to the community and local law enforcement that the offender must provide.

A South Jersey Megan’s Law Tier Classification Appeal Attorney Can Help With Registration Requirements Under N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2b

Here is a high-level breakdown of Megan’s Law tiers under New Jersey Law.

• Tier 1: This is considered low risk and comes with a score between 0 and 36 points.
• Tier 2: This represents moderate risk and comes with a score between 37 and 73 points.
• Tier 3: This is the highest tier and comes with scores above 73 points. This represents high risk and the notification and disclosure requirements to the community and local law enforcement are the most extensive.

If you feel that you have been inaccurately or unfairly tiered and assessed for Megan’s Law registration, call a dedicated Megan’s Law tier classification lawyer in Camden County, NJ at Gelman Law, LLC for assistance with your case. A South Jersey Megan’s Law tier classification appeal attorney from our firm will review your case and gather evidence to demonstrate that you have been incorrectly tiered and that your classification needs to be revised.

A Megan’s Law Tier Classification Lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ at Gelman Law, LLC Can Challenge Your Tier Designation

There are a few ways we can help revise your Megan’s Law tier. To do this, we can argue that:

• Your Registrant Risk Assessment Scale score was incorrectly or inaccurately calculated;
• Your case is not bound under Megan’s Law;
• There are unique circumstances to your case based on which the degree of community notification required by your classification is excessive.

In general, you can use these arguments if you object to your tier classification, if you object to the people and/or groups that need to be notified, if you object to how you are required to notify relevant groups and people, or if you have other objections based on your case specifics.

The RRAS is just one factor that the court uses to determine a registrant’s risk of committing a new offense, and it is technically only one of many tools that prosecutors and courts use to classify an offender’s risk level. It is not a scientific device and is not deemed to be error-free or absolute, meaning you have some room to argue that your classification may be incorrect.

Doing so, however, requires a deep understanding of the law and the steps involved in determining a classification tier. For assistance with your case and to learn more about how we can help you lower your Megan’s Law tier classification, contact a reputable South Jersey Megan’s Law tier classification appeal attorney at Gelman Law, LLC today for a free case consultation.

Penalties for Failing to Register

A failure to register as required by N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2 of Megan’s Law is a third-degree crime in New Jersey and can lead to new charges beyond the original sex crimes for which you were required to register in the first place. These include up to five years in prison and fines of up to $15,000 if you are convicted of a failure to register under Megan’s Law.

Contact a Skilled Megan’s Law Tier Classification Lawyer in Cherry Hill, NJ Today

Contact our team today for a free initial consultation regarding your case. We will review the specifics of your case and will outline the best path forward for you to lower the Megan’s Law tier that you were assigned.

Frequently Asked Questions About Megan’s Law Tier Classification Appeals in New Jersey