What Does "In Violation" Mean on Megan’s Law?
Megan’s Law, also known as the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, is a federal law that requires sex offenders to register with the authorities. The law was enacted in 1996 in response to the kidnapping and murder of seven-year-old Megan Kanka, who was murdered by a registered sex offender living across the street from her.
What Does "In Violation" Mean on Megan’s Law?
When a sex offender is "in violation" of Megan’s Law, it means that they have failed to comply with the registration requirements set forth by the law. This can occur in a variety of ways, including:
- Failure to register: Sex offenders are required to register with the authorities within a certain time frame after their release from prison or within a certain time frame after moving to a new location.
- Failure to update registration: Sex offenders are required to update their registration information, such as their address, employment, or school attendance, as it changes.
- Failure to notify the authorities of a change of address: Sex offenders are required to notify the authorities of any change of address within a certain time frame.
- Failure to submit to polygraph testing: Sex offenders may be required to submit to polygraph testing as part of their registration requirements.
Consequences of Being "In Violation"
Being "in violation" of Megan’s Law can have serious consequences for sex offenders. These consequences can include:
- Increased sentencing: Sex offenders who are found to be in violation of Megan’s Law can face increased sentencing, including longer prison terms.
- Increased registration requirements: Sex offenders who are in violation of Megan’s Law may be required to register for a longer period of time or to register more frequently.
- Denial of parole: Sex offenders who are in violation of Megan’s Law may be denied parole or have their parole revoked.
- Increased community notification: Sex offenders who are in violation of Megan’s Law may be subject to increased community notification, including being listed on public sex offender registries.
Reasons Why Sex Offenders May Be "In Violation"
There are several reasons why sex offenders may be "in violation" of Megan’s Law. These reasons can include:
- Failure to register: Sex offenders who fail to register with the authorities within the required time frame can be considered to be in violation of Megan’s Law.
- Failure to update registration information: Sex offenders who fail to update their registration information, such as their address or employment, can be considered to be in violation of Megan’s Law.
- Failure to notify the authorities of a change of address: Sex offenders who fail to notify the authorities of a change of address within the required time frame can be considered to be in violation of Megan’s Law.
- Failure to submit to polygraph testing: Sex offenders who fail to submit to polygraph testing as required can be considered to be in violation of Megan’s Law.
How Sex Offenders Can Avoid Being "In Violation"
There are several ways that sex offenders can avoid being "in violation" of Megan’s Law. These ways can include:
- Registering immediately: Sex offenders should register with the authorities immediately after their release from prison or immediately after moving to a new location.
- Updating registration information regularly: Sex offenders should update their registration information regularly, including their address, employment, and school attendance.
- Notifying the authorities of a change of address: Sex offenders should notify the authorities of any change of address immediately.
- Submitting to polygraph testing: Sex offenders should submit to polygraph testing as required.
Conclusion
Being "in violation" of Megan’s Law can have serious consequences for sex offenders, including increased sentencing, increased registration requirements, denial of parole, and increased community notification. Sex offenders can avoid being "in violation" of Megan’s Law by registering immediately, updating their registration information regularly, notifying the authorities of a change of address, and submitting to polygraph testing.
