State Information Wiki

While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/

++ All statute links end up on the same search page. To get to a specific statute, type in EXACTLY the statute as written. (2C:7-2) in the “Simple Search” field, and click “Search.” You will get several choices sometimes but ONE of them will be an exact match.

New Jersey Laws Regarding Registration

Who must register?

(See ++ above and at bottom of page for how to find the statute!)
2C:7-2 ++
https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu

What information must registrants provide?

2C:7-4 ++
https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu

How frequently must they register? And for how long?

90 days or yearly 2C:7-2e ++
15 yr(w/application to terminate)or life (implied, not stated) 2C:7-2f.,g. ++
https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu

Does the state categorize registrants by levels/tiers?

Yes, 1 2 and 3. Tier 1 registers once annually and is not on the online registry. Tier 2 and 3 are online.

Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels to registrants?

Response needed.

Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who?

Yes; Certain low and moderate risk offenses 2C:7-13 ++
https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu

Is there a registration fee?

Response Needed.

Are there special restrictions for registrants even after supervision?

Internet access 2C:43-6.6 ++
Additional penalties 2C:43-3.6 ++
Regarding victim 2C:44-8 ++
“Youth-serving” org. 2C:7-23 ++
Community notification 2C:7-7 ++
https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu

Is there a process for removal from the registry? If so, who qualifies and what is the process?

Some registrants may petition. In each case, a motion must be filed in Superior Court with notice to the prosecutor. Prosecutor may object to removal. See section 2C:7-2, paragraphs f and g ++
https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu

What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who is visiting the state?

Implied 10 days; never spelled out if just visiting 2C:7-2 c.(3),(5),(6), and (7) ++
https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu

What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who will be moving to the state to live or to attend school?

Within 10 days if in the state 14 consecutive or 30 aggregate days in a year. 2C:7-2 c.(3),(5),(6), and (7) ++
https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu

State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration

What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?

2C:43-6.8 (6)(7) ++
2C:43-7.2 (7)(8) ++
https://lis.njleg.state.nj.us/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=Publish:10.1048/Enu

Info for State Advocates

Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?

If you are not serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States…, you can vote in New Jersey by completing a new voter registration form.
https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/voter-rights.shtml

What does the state say about persons who are required to register?

http://www.njsp.org/sex-offender-registry/faqs.shtml
Also
http://www.nj.gov/parole/somu.html

How does the state’s legislative process work?

The Lawmaking Process
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/legprocess.asp

How can I locate legislation regarding sexual offense issues?

Start on legislature home page. In “Bill Search” area, use keywords to locate legislation in either state senate or state assembly.
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us

Best keywords are:

“sex offense” “sex offender” and “sexual”

How to sign up for notifications of bill movement:

Tracking can be done using subscription service
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillsSubscriptionLogin.asp
Also Legiscan
https://legiscan.com/NJ/bill/A1217/2018
And open states
https://openstates.org/nj/bills/

Most important legislative committees for our issues are:

Committees don’t have their own links. Go to the link below and click the committee from the list on the right.
Judiciary
Law and public safety
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/committees/Committees.asp?House=S

Contact info for state legislators can be found at:

Senate and Assembly list of members
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/members/abcroster.asp

Other Useful State Information

Contact information for state registry office

New Jersey State Police
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628
609-882-2000

NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:

None at this time.

Other helpful state advocacy groups:

Two law firms advocating for Megan’s Law and sex offender/registry issues:
Maynard Law Office in Morristown
https://njlawattorney.com/
Brickfield & Donohue in Bergen County
https://www.brickdonlaw.com/criminal-defense/sex-crimes/new-jersey-sex-offender-registry/

Other registrant-friendly state support groups: