How Being On The Sex Offender Registry Can Affect Your Life

The state of New Jersey takes sex crimes very seriously. If you’ve convicted of a sex crime and are placed on the sex offender registry, your life will be forever impacted. Where you can live and where you can work will be limited and your reputation and whereabouts will always be under constant scrutiny. If you are facing a sex crime charge and have fears about how being on the sex offender registry can affect your life, continue reading. 

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Sexual Assault Charges in NJ

What Crimes Can Land You on the Sex Offender Registry?

Like noted above, the state of New Jersey doesn’t take sexually-based offenses lightly. As such, the following crimes can land you on the sex offender registry, if convicted:

• Sexual assault
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Aggravated criminal sexual contact
• Criminal sexual contact
• Endangering the welfare of a child including prostitution, kidnapping, or pornography of or engaging in a sexual act with a minor

Read more: Can You Lose Custody Rights with a History of Child Endangerment?

How Long Do You Have to Register For?

In New Jersey, any sex offender who was subject to Megan’s Law – a law that requires registered sex offenders to maintain contact with local law enforcement – will remain on the registry for the rest of their lives. After serving your time and paying your debt to society, the rules under Megan’s Law can severely limit your freedom. Under this law, law enforcement reserves the right to notify community organizations such as daycares or schools of your conviction when you move into the neighborhood. Likewise, sex offenders may be prohibited from traveling out of state and even using the internet, depending on the details of their conviction. 

However, it’s important to note that Megan’s Law information is only provided to those already living in the community, not those who are thinking of moving to the area. 

Moving to a New Neighborhood 

All registered sex offenders are required to report every change of address to law enforcement every time they move. In New Jersey, you must notify your local police department no later than 10 days before your scheduled move. In certain situations, sex offenders may be required to very their addresses with local law enforcement every 90 days or annually. 

Effects of Sex Offer Registration

In addition to having your personal information shared to the community and having to maintain communication with your local law enforcement, you may also be denied housing or not be allowed to live in certain areas if a school or other community program is located nearby. Likewise, sex offender registration can negatively impair your ability to secure employment. While there are no federal laws that prohibit discrimination due to a person’s criminal history, that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. 

If you’re being accused of a sexual offense in New Jersey, it is imperative that you seek the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you. These consequences of a conviction will continue to haunt you long after you’ve served your sentence. An experienced criminal defense attorney will work with you to investigate the details of your case and advocate that your rights are protected. 

Contact an Experienced Woodbridge Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Sexual Assault Charges in New Jersey

Were you arrested or charged with sexual assault in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with sexual assault in Princeton, Freehold, Mount Laurel, Jersey City, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 334-7468 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 227 Main Street, Woodbridge, NJ 07095, as well as offices located in Freehold, Mount Laurel, Jersey City, and Princeton.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.