When someone is convicted of a sex crime in the state of New Jersey, they typically have to register with their local police department, which must then file their submission with the state. The Division of State Police saves all of these submissions in a Sex Offender Registry, much of which is accessible to the general public.
Offenses that require registration include:
- Sexual assault;
- Aggravated sexual assault;
- Criminal sexual contact if the victim was a minor;
- Aggravated criminal sexual contact;
- Luring or enticing;
- Kidnapping if the victim was under 16 and the perpetrator attempted or committed a sex crime against them; and
- Criminal restraint.
Since criminal law often takes a different approach to juvenile offenders in an effort to rehabilitate instead of merely punish, you may be wondering whether they’re required to register, as well. In the state of New Jersey, all convicted sex offenders—including those who were under 18 when they committed the transgression—must register.
If a Juvenile Registers as a Sex Offender, Who Will Be Notified of Their Status?
New Jersey has a tier system for registered sex offenders, and it applies to both juveniles and adults. If a minor is convicted of a sex crime that requires registration, they are evaluated under the Juvenile Risk Assessment Scale (JRAS). Based on the results, they are then categorized as a low, moderate, or high risk offender.
When an offender is considered low risk, which is Tier 1, law enforcement agencies are notified of their registration. When an offender is considered moderate risk and falls under Tier 2, summer camps, schools, day care centers, and community organizations within their area are also notified. And when an offender falls under Tier 3, which is the highest risk, the general public is notified, as well.
Are All Registrations Made Available to the Public?
Anyone can access the Sex Offender Registry online; however, not all registrations are posted on it. Excluding those who are classified as Tier 3, for example, juvenile offenders are not visible to the general public. All adult Tier 1 offenders some Tier 2 offenders are also left off the public registry.
Can Juvenile Offenders Ever Be Taken off the Registry?
After 15 years, Tier 3 sex offenders who were convicted as juveniles can petition to be removed from the registry. In order to qualify for removal, they cannot have committed another offense, and they must be able to demonstrate that they are not likely to reoffend.
An exception applies to those who committed their offense when they were under the age of 14. These offenders may petition for removal from the registry upon turning 18.
Discuss Your Case with a Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Morristown
If your child has been accused of a crime—or you’re under 18 and you have found yourself on the wrong side of the law—turn to The Law Offices of Joseph S. Scura. Founded in 2009, our firm has been advocating for juvenile defendants ever since.
We know what it takes to fight all kinds of charges, from underage drinking to truancy, and we’re not afraid to go up against even the most aggressive prosecutors. To schedule your free consultation with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Morristown, call 973-832-0841 or fill out our Contact Form.