In New Jersey, mandatory minimum sentencing laws determine how long you might serve in prison. Most prisoners become eligible for parole after serving a third of their sentence.
Once out of prison, ex-convicts must follow the guidelines of their parole for an average of five years. However, there are extra considerations in place for those convicted of sex crimes.
Parole for sex offenders
In most cases, a parole board reviews the cases of prisoners who have hit the one-third mark of their sentence. The board determines parole eligibility based on criminal history, behavior in prison and risk assessment. When determining parole for sex offenders, the board emphasizes risk assessment. If they find that the prisoner is likely to offend again, a special review board has to analyze the convict’s case before granting parole. After Megan’s Law, sex offenders must also register as such in their communities. Unwillingness to do so can cause the board to deny parole.
Parole supervision for life
Those convicted of sex crimes are on parole for life after leaving prison, regardless of whether or not the prison released them early. Their parole officers can impose strict regulations on a sex offender’s relationships and online presence. The State Parole Board can even monitor sex offenders through GPS to ensure they are following the rules of their parole.
Release from parole
Sex offenders can petition for parole release after a minimum of 15 years. Otherwise, they are on parole for life. To be eligible for a release from parole, sex offenders must provide evidence that they are not at risk of reoffending.
Good behavior, willingness to work with law enforcement and proof of rehabilitation are the best ways a sex offender can avoid life-long parole.
