Determining Dangerous Sex Offenders in NJ
In New Jersey in 1994, it was the raping and murdering of a 7-year old that brought about a law that requires all sex offenders to register with local law enforcement. On top of that, the state of New Jersey utilizes a system that classifies sex offenders into three tiers based on the severity of their crimes and how likely it is they will reoffend.
This system has been in place since the 1990s and the classifications also determine how the community will be notified (if at all) when an offender is released. New Jersey also has an online sex offender registry that allows the public to see offenders of certain tiers. The tiers are as follows:
Tier 1 – offenders that pose a low risk of re-offense, not included in state’s online sex offender registry
Tier 2 – offenders that pose a moderate risk of re-offense, included in state’s online sex offender registry
Tier 3 – offenders that pose a high risk of re-offense and new crimes, included in state’s online sex offender registry
The registry provides photos, addresses and other details about Tier 2 and 3 offenders. All Tier 3 offenders go on the website, while most Tier 2 end up on there as well. Deciding which tier an offender belongs in is a complex one, involving a tool called the Registrant Risk Assessment Scale.
Scoring a Sex Offender
The Registrant Risk Assessment Scale scores sex offenders in 13 categories in an effort to determine how likely it is each individual would reoffend. Those categories fall under four subject areas: Seriousness of offense, offense history, characteristics of offender, and community support.
Seriousness of offense looks at the degree of force, degree of contact and the age of the victim. Offense history evaluates the offender’s victim selection, number of victims, duration of offensive behavior, time since last offense and history of anti-social acts.
Characteristics of offender looks at their response to treatment and their history of substance abuse. Finally, community support assesses if the offender is receiving therapy, if they live in an appropriate residential setting with support services and if they have a stable job or attending school.
Sex offenders in New Jersey receive a certain amount of points for each category. If they score between zero and 36 they are considered low risk. If they score between 37 and 73 they are considered moderate risk. High risk offenders’ scores fall between 74 and 111.
Sex crimes are a serious offense in the state of New Jersey and to be found guilty of such can impact the rest of your life.
Contact A Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
With the consequences being so severe and life-altering, it is of the utmost importance to contact an experienced sex crime defense lawyer if you are facing charges for sex crimes. In New Jersey, the lawyer you want on your side in this situation is John W. Tumelty.
Mr. Tumelty is experienced and aggressive and knows exactly what it will take to help your case. Contact him today and set up a free initial consultation by calling 609-385-4010.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
