Atlantic City Criminal Defense Lawyer Fights to Get Your Name Removed from Megan’s Law Sex Offender Registries

If you are convicted of a sex crime in New Jersey, you will be facing more than the threat of heavy fines, time behind bars and a criminal record. In fact, while the emotional toll and public embarrassment are extremely difficult to bear, having to register as a sex offender, according to Megan’s Law, may very well impact you in all areas of your life for a long time to come.

In Atlantic and Cape May counties and throughout all of New Jersey, judges and juries are exceptionally hard on individuals charged with these [nl_link id=’333′]sex crimes[/nl_link]. Skilled Atlantic City criminal defense lawyer John W. Tumelty has over 35 years of experience successfully defending all types of criminal cases, from sex crimes to traffic violations. Further, he has extensive experience with Megan’s Law, the guideline for the national sex offender registry. If you’ve been charged with any kind of sex crime, you may be subjected to Megan’s Law. Contact Mr. Tumelty today for a free consultation about your charges and the possibility of getting your name removed from sex offender registries.

Megan’s Law Requirements Can Haunt You for 10 Years or More

Many New Jerseyans remember the horrific events of mid-1994 when a seven-year-old girl named Megan Kanka was raped and brutally murdered by a neighbor in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, NJ. Megan’s parents, her entire community and people throughout the entire country were horrified to learn that Megan’s convicted murderer had previously pled guilty to a similar crime elsewhere in New Jersey years before.

Reasoning that knowing that information might have made a difference to their family, Mr. and Mrs. Kanka worked tirelessly with New Jersey lawmakers to create what became Megan’s Law. The Sexual Offender Act of 1994 became a federal law requiring anyone convicted of sex crimes against children to notify local law enforcement of any change of address or employment after release from custody (prison or psychiatric facility). Residents would then have access to those lists and police would be aware of the whereabouts of convicted sex offenders.

If you are facing sex charges in New Jersey, Megan’s Law should be a serious concern for you. If you are convicted and are required to register with the national sex offender registry, the notification requirement may be imposed for a fixed period of time—usually at least 10 years—or permanently.

Mr. Tumelty represents clients facing criminal charges in Atlantic City, Cape May, Wildwood, Little Egg Harbor, Ocean Township and throughout New Jersey. If you are facing sex charges or need information about Megan’s Law, contact him right away.

Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer Handles Megan’s Law Appeals in New Jersey’s Atlantic and Cape May Counties

Megan’s Law applies to adults and juveniles alike. However, certain restrictions are different based on the offender’s age. For example, lifetime parole supervision only applies to adults.

Individuals who are obligated to register under Megan’s Law are held to certain requirements. Many of these requirements place the individual in the public spotlight, such as posting his or her name, and photograph, on a nationwide sex offender registry. Some of the possible Megan’s Law requirements are listed below:

• Register with the police at regular intervals; either every 90 days or annually
• Lifetime parole supervision (only applies to adult-offenders)
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Curfews
• Certain restrictions on computer use
• Possible restrictions on relocating out of state

In addition, there are different levels of Megan’s Law, depending on the severity of the individual’s crime. Tier 1 is the lowest (least serious) level and Tier 3 is the highest (most serious) level. These levels impact various Megan’s Law requirements, such as the extent to which a community is informed of a registrant’s information.

If You Are Being Subjected to Megan’s Law, Contact an Experienced Attorney Today

Megan’s Law requirements and all of the related regulations governing sex offender registries are extremely complex. Relief is sometimes available and with the right legal representation, you may be able to get your name removed from a Megan’s Law-imposed sex offender registry.

If “clear and convincing” evidence shows that the offender no longer poses a threat, removal may occur after a petition has been filed with the court. Don’t try to do this alone. Contact a highly skilled [nl_link id=’251′]criminal defense[/nl_link] attorney to protect your rights. John W. Tumelty knows these laws; put his knowledge and experience to work for you. He will fight to protect your rights, and your reputation.

[nl_link id=’272′]Contact Mr. Tumelty[/nl_link] today for a free consultation by phone or in person at one of his three office locations in Atlantic City, Marmora or Somers Point, NJ.