On the first two days of July, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued three decisions that dramatically revamped the rules for Megan’s Law. The first two decisions effectively eliminated the 15-year “offense free” waiting period for juveniles to be relieved of their registration and notification obligations under Megan’s Law. The third decision clarified the government’s obligation to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that certain offenders’ conduct is characterized by “repetitive and compulsive” behavior prior to requiring internet notification and the procedures in that process.

The 15-Year ‘Offense Free’ Waiting Period No Longer Applies to Juveniles

The court issued two rulings with respect to termination of Megan’s Law for registrants who were initially placed on Megan’s Law as juveniles. However, because both cases addressed largely identical issues, they can be read in concert with each other.