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New Jersey Sex Offender Registry

Sex Offender Registration Lawyer in Bergen County

The severity with which New Jersey's sex offender registry law treats convicted sex offenders — even people convicted of minor crimes — is often more shocking to our clients than the other penalties associated with a sex crimes conviction.

At the Bergen County law firm of Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, we find that many of our clients are more worried about appearing on the sex offender registry than they are about paying fines or doing time in jail. 

They have good reason to worry. Conviction for a crime that requires registration with the sex offender registry can:

  • Severely restrict a person's freedom to live where he or she chooses
  • Limit job opportunities, because in certain types of cases any member of the public, including potential employers, can access the registry
  • Make a person vulnerable to harassment by neighbors who discover the person's name on the registry

Do Convicted Offenders Have a Lifetime Listing on the Sex Offender Registry? 

All New Jersey sex offenders subject to Megan's Law must register for the rest of their lives. 

Sex offenders may ask for removal from the sex offender registry if they:

  • Committed only one offense
  • Have not committed another offense for 15 years
  • Prove that they are unlikely to threaten the safety of others

Certain types of sex offenders, including those convicted of aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault involving the use of force, may also be permanently barred from removal from the sex offender registry. Juvenile offenders may ask the court to be removed from the sex offender registry if they were under the age of 14 at the time of the offense but are now over the age of 18.

At Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, we take the defense of sex crimes very seriously, and we are aggressive advocates for our clients' rights — not only in the criminal proceedings against them but also in challenging the level of risk (tiering) assigned to the individual.

As an experienced New Jersey sex offender registration firm, we know how to build strong defenses on behalf of our clients, whether the crime involves sexual assaultassault or molestation of a childInternet solicitation of a minor, or possession of child pornography — all of which require registration with the New Jersey sex offender registry upon conviction.

 

Questions about the New Jersey sex offender registry? Contact us online today. 

 

Who Is Required to Register?

The state of New Jersey identifies three levels of sexual offenders. These levels are designated based upon the believed potential for a repeat offense. A tier three classification is reserved for those defendants identified as having the greatest possibility of engaging in future offenses. A tier one classification is for persons with the least possibility of committing future offenses.

Defendants identified as tier one offenders need only to provide information to victims and law enforcement officials. Information about tier two offenders is made available to places like daycare centers or schools where children are likely to be present. Information about tier three offenders can be available to most persons via the Internet. There may also be posters or other information published.

What Offenses Require Registration?

The New Jersey State Police website notes that anyone convicted of sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault or kidnapping in relation to such a crime can be required to register once released. People convicted of engaging in sexual behaviors that may harm the morality of a child can also be forced to register.

If a person required to register with the sex offender program fails to do so, they can be charged with a third-degree crime. Once required to register, a person can only be released from this requirement by moving out of the state of New Jersey, by death, or by demotion to a tier one classification.

What Is Sexual Assault in New Jersey?

A variety of situations can result in a sexual assault charge in New Jersey. According to a publication of the State of New Jersey Law Revision Commission, sexual penetration without the express consent of the alleged victim can be deemed sexual assault.

Aggravated sexual assault can be the charge if the alleged victim was under 16 years old or unable to provide consent such as with a mentally disabled person. This charge can also relate to cases in which the alleged offender was a parent or had some other supervisory role.

Important Facts for Defendants

People who are charged with sexual offenses have rights like any other person. Talking to a New Jersey sex offender registration attorney as soon as an arrest happens is recommended.

Don't Let Embarrassment or Shame Keep You from Learning Your Legal Options

At the Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, you will find a compassionate atmosphere where our lawyers and staff respect your privacy and protect your rights using every means at our disposal.

If you are facing sex crimes charges that could result in required registration on the New Jersey sex offender registry, contact us online or by calling (201) 574-7919to talk with our experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "The best lawyer I could have ever asked for"

    The best attorney I have ever met in my life. I was facing four felony gun charges and ended up paying a $100 fine with a ...

    - Patrick
    "An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends."

    He handled my case effectively. An outstanding lawyer who I will always recommend to my family and friends. He displays a lot ...

    - Recent Client
    "TRUST me and go to him if you need anything, he won't let you down"

    My experience was beyond amazing. I always thought going through the court process and finding a lawyer would be the hardest ...

    - Recent Client
    ""the superior court judge issued a written order reversing the municipal court's guilty decision""

    Our son was arrested and charged with DUI in early December of 2015. We got a lawyer who helped us gather evidence (arrest ...

    - Anonymous Client
    "You and your staff were exemplary in your efforts and performance."

    Dear Joseph: I wish to thank you and the staff for all of your efforts, professional knowledge and timeliness in performing ...

    - Criminal Client
    "Outstanding Legal Professional"

    As a Case Management Consultant, I have referred a number of clients to Mr. Donahue over the years. He is an outstanding ...

    - Advocacy Support Network LLC
    "restored my faith in lawyers"

    Mr. Donahue defended me in DWI,it would have been my 3rd.I would have lost DL for ten years and 180 days in jail. I would ...

    - Ken
    "Outstanding Litigator"

    I am a legal consultant who works with many of the top criminal defense lawyers primarily in Northern and Central New Jersey. ...

    - Client
Our Trial-Tested Approach

We always strive to put our clients in the best position possible, so our immediate goal is to obtain a case dismissal or acquittal. If this cannot be done, we seek to minimize the consequences by all legal means possible, perhaps by pursuing a plea agreement, which could include alternate sentencing that improves the impact on our client’s record. Our Bergen County criminal defense attorney is a resolute advocate who never hesitates to take a case to trial if we feel it is in the best interests of our client. No matter how complex your charges may be, we have the proven expertise and passion to help you achieve a positive outcome. Discover how we can help you today.