When you face a criminal charge for a sexual offense in New Jersey, it has the potential to impact many parts of your life, should it lead to a conviction. New Jersey recognizes Megan’s Law, which outlines how and when you must register as a sex offender after receiving a conviction for this type of crime. Failing to register and follow all guidelines dictated by Megan’s Law puts you at risk of facing serious additional legal trouble.
Per the Code of Virginia, you must register as a sex offender in New Jersey if you get a conviction for any offense Megan’s Law covers. Some of these offenses include sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, to name a few.
Registering as a sex offender
When you register as a New Jersey sex offender, the state assigns you a “tier” that indicates how likely it thinks you are to re-offend and how much of a threat it thinks you are to your surrounding community. The state may designate you a Tier I, Tier II or Tier III offender, with each tier having different notification requirements. For example, while only law enforcement agencies hear about it if you are a Tier I offender, your entire community learns if you receive a Tier III classification.
Failing to register as a sex offender
Failing to register as a New Jersey sex offender is a third-degree felony. This has the potential to lead to between three-and-five years behind bars. You may, too, have to pay up to $15,000 for failing to register as directed by Megan’s Law.
While failing to register as a sex offender leads to criminal consequences, it also leads to collateral ones, including an inability to serve on a jury or own a firearm.
