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Time to Get Off of Megan’s Law – When Megan’s Law Notification and Parole Supervision for Life Becomes Counterproductive to Rehabilitation
Any person who is subject to the notification requirements of Megan’s Law and is subject to Parole Supervision for Life and/or Community Supervision for Life can tell you how difficult life becomes. It prevents or makes it very difficult to obtain employment or to obtain good employment. It interferes with developing normal healthy relationships with other people. It becomes very difficult to get married, establish a family, and live a normal existence. Registration can result in hostility from neighbors, can interfere with employment, and may create issues relative to interfering with the establishment of a normal healthy family unit. Having law enforcement periodically visit one’s home, question family members, question neighbors, can be very destructive to a healthy and stable life.
There is a compelling argument to be made that there comes a time when Megan’s Law stops protecting society and only interferes with a person’s ability to adjust and re-enter the mainstream of society. There is hope for getting off the restrictions and the burdens that Megan’s Law carries.
There is a light at the end of that tunnel. It is not easy, not simple, and will cost a considerable amount of emotional commitment and will cost money, but it can be done. Megan’s Law has now been in effect since 1994. There are many people eligible to file motions to be released from Megan’s Law registration and lifetime supervision. N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2f ; N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6.4c. If one wants to succeed it must be done right with the submission of a properly prepared compelling package of social, family, and employment records and an appropriate psychological evaluation. It will require appearing in court.
If the type of offense qualifies and the person is eligible, Megan’s Law specifically provides a mechanism for being released from the registration requirements and for parole supervision for life 15 years from the date of conviction or release from prison, if person is not likely to pose a threat to the safety of others. N.J.S.A. 2C:7-2f; N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6.4. The burden is on the applicant and any application must be thorough and done correctly. It can only be accomplished through a court order and is required to be filed in the county where the registrant resides.
The legislature recognized that there comes a time when even those convicted of sex offenses may be deserving of being welcomed back into the community without the “Scarlet Letter.” Fifteen years is a long time to prove that one can successfully participate in society without the onerous registration and supervision requirements. If you qualify you should set yourself free.
If you would like to speak with Eric Marcy, Esq., as to your options in applying for relief from Megan’s Law Registration and discharge from Parole Supervision for Life, contact Mr. Marcy at 908-575-9777 (office), or 908-581-2388 (cell), or by email at [email protected].
Our criminal defense and Megan’s Law lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. will vigorously defend you as you go through the criminal justice system. Call us at 908-575-9777 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. We have offices located in Somerville and Morristown, New Jersey, and represent clients throughout New Jersey including, but not limited to, clients throughout Somerset County, Morris County, Middlesex County, Union County, Essex County, Bergen County, Hunterdon County, Warren County, Sussex County, Passaic County, and Monmouth County.