Megan’s Law in New Jersey

Megan’s Law is named after 7-year-old Megan Nicole Kanka in New Jersey, who was brutally assaulted and murdered by a two-time convicted sex offender. After Megan’s death, petitions were circulated in New Jersey demanding to create awareness of sexual predators. As a result, more than 430,000 signatures were collected and hence, Megan’s Law came into existence.

Purpose of Megan’s Law in New Jersey

The purpose of Megan’s Law is to protect the public, especially children from becoming victims of sexual offenders.  According to this law, a track of convicted sexual offenders is maintained by law enforcement officials. Officials make home visits or send mailings to inform neighbors and schools, making it easier for citizens to develop safety programs and prevention techniques to keep sexual offenders away from the neighborhood.

Federal Version of Megan’s Law

There is a federal version of Megan’s Law which is a bit different from Megan’s Law of New Jersey. Unlike New Jersey’s Megan’s Law, the federal law required all states to release information to the public but it was not made mandatory. The federal version simply released information but did not make home visits or notify community about offenders, whereas New Jersey’s Megan’s Law ensured active community notification.

If a person is convicted of a sex crime, then the convict will be subjected to negative reactions, but also extensive jail and sometimes a civil suit to recover damages. The person’s name, address, birth date, race, sex, address and other information will be collected and publicized.

New Jersey Sex Crime Defense Attorney

Contact a criminal defense attorney in New Jersey if you have been arrested, charged, or think you are going to be charged, with a sex crime. Speak with Joel Silberman as soon as possible to ensure your rights are not jeopardized.

Call us at 201-420-1913 or Email us at joel@joelsilbermanlaw.com.