In New Jersey and across the country, people who have been convicted of sexual assault or abuse are required to keep local law enforcement agencies informed about where they live and what they do for a living, and the agencies are required to make that information available to the public.
Anyone who is registered under Megan’s Law is also required to keep the conditions of his or her parole as well, and any violation of parole conditions could have serious consequences, even if the official sentence has already been served.
Parole allows an offender to be released from prison and serve a portion of the sentence while living in his or her community. This part of the sentence comes with strict conditions that often include supervision, restricted travel and regular check-ins with a parole officer or supervisor.
Because of the nature of crimes that fall under Megan’s Law, an offender is required to register and stay on that registry for a set period of time -- sometimes even for life. Paroles issued to Megan’s Law registrants typically come with the strictest of regulations and requirements that must be followed.
What Constitutes a Violation of Parole?
Anyone who has been convicted of a sex crime in New Jersey and granted parole must remain in compliance with all the terms set by the state’s Parole Board and the supervising parole officer. These terms include a number of conditions, but may be expanded to incorporate other conditions if necessary, depending on the crimes the person was convicted for, and his or her existing criminal background.
A parolee must:
- Obey all state and federal laws
- Make in-person reports to the Parole Officer
- Notify the Parole Officer of any arrests or run-ins with law enforcement immediately
- Obtain approval for any moves, changes in employment, or travel outside of the state
- Make payments for any fines or penalties issued in court
- Register with the appropriate agencies as required under Megan’s Law
- Waive extradition to New Jersey from any jurisdiction in which the person is arrested or detained for parole violations
Parolees are also not permitted to own or use weapons or firearms; take, sell, or distribute illegal drugs and medicines; and they must refrain from behaviors that would result in an arrest or the issuance of a restraining order.
Parole Supervision for Life
For some Megan’s Law registrants, parole can be issued for life, which means that after the jail sentence has been served, the registrant will have to remain on parole for the rest of his or her life and will have to abide by all the conditions set for release. According to N.J.S.A. 2C:34:6:4, which covers parole supervision for life and violations of these paroles, a violation of a parole condition can lead to a third degree criminal charge or a fourth degree criminal charge (depending on the violation in question) and could even result in a prolonged jail sentence.
At Helmer, Conley, and Kasselman, PA, the New Jersey sexual assault defense attorneys can help recently released parolees who have been accused of violating their parole conditions. For more information, contact our team at HCK today.
