Bergen County NJ Megan’s Law Defense Attorneys
The more serious your sex crime charge in New Jersey, the more likely it is that you will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law if convicted. A person convicted of sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, kidnapping in connection with a sex offense, or any sexual offense involving a minor should probably expect Megan’s Law to apply in their case. Megan’s Law requirements will be in addition to the criminal record that exists as a result of having been convicted of a felony in New Jersey. Sex offender registration requirements can be onerous, typically requiring the offender to notify authorities anytime they change residences or apply for a new job. Moreover, as a convicted sex offender, your information may be available to your neighbors who can learn about your prior conviction either through an online database of sex offenders maintained by the state or via direct contact by local law enforcement. When you apply for a job, your convicted sex offender status could make it extremely difficult for you to get hired. Also, if you fail to register as a sex offender or fail to adhere to any of the other Megan’s Law requirements, you may face new criminal charges that carry prison time.
Megan’s Law sex offender registration requirements, codified in N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2, are a form of parole supervision that basically limits your ability to live a normal life going forward. Worse yet, these are lifetime requirements, meaning that you will be subject to the restrictions forever. However, there may be a chance for a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to get these restrictions lifted by successfully filing for removal from Megan’s Law in New Jersey. The particular facts and circumstances of your case will play an important role in determining whether you are able to be removed from the NJ sex offender registry. Whenever you have a case involving sex offender registration, the stakes are among the highest you could face in the criminal justice system. The long-term impacts can be detrimental to you, those you love, and your entire life trajectory from this point on. Don’t risk attempting to talk to police on your own, as anything you say can and will be used against you.
Megan’s Law Defense Lawyers in Hackensack, New Jersey
With offices conveniently located in the heart of Bergen County, one of our attorneys is always available immediately to provide you with a free consultation. Contact us at (201)-330-4979 to learn more about how Megan’s Law applies to your particular case and the steps that can be taken from here to ensure that you reach the best possible resolution. The Tormey Law Firm in Hackensack, New Jersey is a criminal defense team with lawyers who understand how sex crime accusations are made and how to defend against all types of sex crimes. Founding attorney Travis J. Tormey has established a strong reputation throughout the state, in part through his impressive work defending individuals against a wide variety of sexual offenses, including lewdness, aggravated sexual assault, and criminal sexual contact.
For example, Mr. Tormey was recently successful in having a wrongfully accused sex offender exonerated in the Ocean County Superior Court after more than a decade. He has also been successful numerous times in having individuals removed from Megan’s Law registration requirements. In addition, during his time at the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr. Tormey worked with the sex crimes unit on federal prosecutions. Due to his impressive experience, Mr. Tormey is considered an authority in this area and has been featured in the Asbury Park Press as a legal resource on sex crimes and Megan’s Law in New Jersey. Contact us today to speak with a lawyer who can help answering your questions and addressing your concerns free of charge. We handle Megan’s Law cases arising anywhere in Bergen County and nearby areas throughout New Jersey, such as Mahwah, Ridgefield Park, and Paramus.
Sex Offender Registration & Megan’s Law in New Jersey
Megan’s Law is commonly known as sex offender registration. It provides that convicted sex offenders in New Jersey must register their addresses with the local police, in addition providing updates as to any changes in their address, employment, or schooling.
The sex offender registry law can be found in the New Jersey Code at 2C:7-1 to 21. Megan’s Law was implemented on October 31, 1994. It is applicable to any defendant convicted, adjudicated delinquent, or found not guilty by reason of insanity. It applies to any of the following criminal offenses:
- Luring or Enticing a Minor
- Criminal Sexual Contact (if the victim is under the age of 18)
- Kidnapping (where the victim is under 18 and the offender is not the parent)
- Criminal Restraint (where the victim is under 18 and the offender is not the parent)
- False Imprisonment (where the victim is under 18 and the offender is not the parent)
- Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact
- Endangering the Welfare of a Minor by Engaging in Sexual Contact with a Minor
Victory in Megan’s Law Case: Dismissal after More than 10 Years
Megan’s Law can have a significant and long-lasting impact on your life. As such, it is imperative that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for help prior to entering a plea which requires Megan’s Law registration. Mr. Tormey represented a man who was wrongfully accused of endangering the welfare of a child in the late 1990s. The man had been on Megan’s Law for more than 10 years. When the man moved to Connecticut with his wife and two step-children, Connecticut authorities forced him to move out of his own home because he was not allowed to live with his step-children. Fortunately for the defendant, he hired Mr. Tormey to represent him on a post-conviction relief application. Mr. Tormey had the conviction overturned. The man now has no record from the offense and is no longer subject to Megan’s Law.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a sexual offense in New Jersey with the potential for Megan’s Law Registration, or you are wondering if you are eligible for removal from Megan’s Law, contact our Hackensack office anytime at (201)-330-4979 for a free consultation.