Criminal Defense: What It Means to be Included on the Sexual Offender Registry

In New Jersey, sex crimes are taken seriously. A sex crime conviction can have far-reaching consequences that include being on the sex offender registry. Unfortunately, this inclusion itself can affect the offender’s life forever. It can limit their employment and housing opportunities. Also, their reputation and whereabouts are expected to be constantly scrutinized. If you have been charged with a sex crime, you need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey to help you challenge the charges against you. You can be on the registry after being convicted for crimes such as sexual assault, criminal sexual conduct, aggravated sexual assault, and aggravated criminal sexual contact. Also, you will be in the registry if convicted for endangering a child’s welfare including in pornography, kidnapping, and prostitution.

What to Expect If You Land on the Registry?

Sex offenders who were subject to the law that requires them to maintain contact with law enforcement are expected to be on the registry forever. Even if they have served their time and paid their debt to society, they still have limited freedom. Being subjected to Megan’s Law, their conviction can be made known to community organizations like schools or daycares. Also, sex offenders may not be allowed to travel outside of New Jersey or even use to the internet, depending on their conviction’s details. 

Those who are convicted of a sex crime and included on the registry must report each change of address to law enforcement whenever they move. They need to notify the local police department less than ten days before they are scheduled to move. 

How a Sex Offender Registration Will Affect the Offender?

If you become a registered sex offender in New Jersey, your personal information will be shared with the community and constantly communicate with local law enforcement. Unfortunately, this will also mean losing housing opportunities and the ability to live in a certain area where community programs are nearby. Also, your registration can impair your ability to land a job.

If you are facing a sexual offense allegation in the state, make sure to seek the counsel of a respected criminal defense lawyer. A conviction’s consequences will continuously haunt you even if you have served your sentence. Your lawyer will investigate your case’s details and ensure your rights are protected. Ensure you hire an attorney who has a good history of successfully defending clients charged with sexual crimes, so you have a good chance of achieving a positive outcome of your case.