When will a juvenile have to register as a sex offender?

Juvenile sexual offenders are required to register in the same manner as adults.

Who has access to the sex offender registry?

The sex offender registry in New Jersey is divided into three tiers.  If the risk level is low, the offender is considered a Tier One offender, and only law enforcement agencies are notified.  A Tier Two offender is considered a moderate risk, and in addition to law enforcement, the information may also be released to schools, licensed day care centers, summer camps, and registered community organizations.  Finally, a Tier Three offender is considered high risk, and members of the public will have access to the sexual offender information.

What information is included in a sexual offender notification?

All three levels of notification include the same information.  The information includes the offender’s name, description, photograph, address, place of employment or school, vehicle and license plate information, and a brief description of the offense.  It is important to note that although someone who is notified about the information may share it with those residing in the same household, or to anyone caring for the household’s children, it may not be disclosed to any other parties.

Is there any relief for those on the sex offender registry?

Since juveniles are treated the same as adults for sex offender registration purposes, relief is the same, as well. An individual may, fifteen years following conviction or release from a correctional or juvenile facility, apply to the Superior Court of the State to terminate the obligation to register. Relief is provided if an individual can prove that no subsequent offenses were committed since the initial offense and the court feels the individual will not pose a threat to the safety of others.

How long must sex offenders register?   

All sex offenders subject to Megan’s Law must register for the remainder of their lives. Sex offenders may apply to the court to be removed from the Sex Offender Registry if they committed only one offense, have not committed another offense for 15 years, and prove that they are not likely to pose a threat to the safety of others. Juvenile sex offenders may also apply to the court to be removed from the Sex Offender Registry if they were under the age of 14 at the time of their offense but are now over the age of 18.