All individuals who are convicted of a crime are stigmatized in some way. However, individuals who are convicted of crimes of a sexual nature are particularly so. Part of this stems from the fact that, even after carrying out the terms of a criminal sentence, individuals who are convicted of certain sex crimes must continue to register with the state’s sex offender registry.
In New Jersey, individuals (including juveniles) who are convicted of certain sex offenses must abide by the state’s strict sex offender registry laws which includes providing the following information:
- Full legal name
- Physical description
- Recent photograph
- Current address
- Place of employment or school attending
- License plate number and vehicle description
- Description of the offense of which an individual was convicted
Individuals who must abide by the state’s sex offender registry laws are designated as belonging to one of three tiers:
- Tier 1 (low-risk level) = Only law enforcement agencies are notified
- Tier 2 (moderate-risk level) = Law enforcement agencies, schools, licensed day cares, community organizations and camps are notified
- Tier 3 (high-risk level) = In addition to the agencies and public entities listed above; members of the public are also notified
Information for all individuals designated as tier three, as well as some tier two, offenders is available online.
In New Jersey, sex offender registrants must generally register for life. In some cases, individuals who have not committed additional offenses within a 15-year timeframe may file a motion to be removed from the registry.
What Are The Penalties For Failing to Register?
Individuals, who are required, yet fail to register or who fail to verify or report a change in address, employment information or school enrollment and attendance; may face additional criminal charges and penalties.
Given the serious penalties and high stakes involved, individuals who are facing criminal charges related to a sex offense would be wise to seek the advice and assistance of an attorney.