New Jersey Section 2C:43-6.4 – Special sentence of parole supervision for life.

New Jersey’s Special Sentence of Parole Supervision for Life: What You Need to Know

In New Jersey, certain sex-related offenses carry not just jail time, but also parole supervision for life after release. This means checking in with a parole officer and following strict rules for the rest of your life. It’s a serious penalty that affects people long after serving their sentence. This article explains parole supervision for life in New Jersey – who gets it, what it involves, and what happens if you violate the terms.

Which Crimes Lead to Parole Supervision for Life in New Jersey?

Under Section 2C:43-6.4 of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, parole supervision for life is mandatory for people convicted of:

• Aggravated Sexual Assault – New Jersey’s equivalent of rape, a first-degree crime
• Sexual Assault – a second-degree crime
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact – a third-degree crime
• Kidnapping a minor combined with a sex offense – first or second-degree crimes
• Attempting to commit any of the above – same degree as completed crime

These charges all relate to serious sexual offenses. The most severe carry over 10 years in prison. But even after serving their sentence, people must serve parole supervision for life.

What Does Parole Supervision for Life Mean in New Jersey?

Parole supervision for life has strict conditions. People on parole supervision for life must:

• Report regularly to a parole officer
• Get permission to move or change jobs
• Avoid owning weapons
• Get permission to leave New Jersey
• Take annual polygraph tests
• Submit to drug/alcohol tests
• Attend counseling, evaluations, and treatment

Parolees must get approval for major life changes most people take for granted. The parole board scrutinizes their lives closely. Any violations can lead to years more in prison.

What Happens if You Violate Parole Supervision for Life?

Violating parole supervision for life is a criminal offense in New Jersey.

For crimes after July 2014, it’s a third-degree crime. For older crimes, it’s a fourth-degree crime. Both carry 3-5 years in prison.

If parolees commit another violent crime listed in Section 2C:43-6.4, they face an extended sentence. They must serve that sentence fully before returning to parole supervision.

How Does New Jersey Prove a Parole Violation?

To convict someone of violating parole supervision for life, prosecutors must prove:

• The defendant was on parole supervision for life – easy to prove from records
• The defendant knowingly violated the terms – inadvertent violations don’t count

Defendants can argue they didn’t knowingly violate parole. But if records show they clearly did, it’s hard to fight.

Is There Any Way Out of Parole Supervision for Life?

Yes, but it’s very limited. After 15 years with no new convictions, parolees can petition for release. But it’s up to the court’s discretion. Parole supervision for life is designed to be just that – for life.

How Can a Lawyer Help with Parole Supervision for Life?

The penalties for violating parole supervision for life are severe. If you’re facing charges for a violation, a criminal defense lawyer can help by:

• Analyzing the case and possible defenses
• Negotiating with prosecutors for a favorable plea deal
• Taking the case to trial if defenses exist
• Advocating for the minimum sentence if convicted
• Petitioning for release after 15 conviction-free years

The consequences of parole supervision for life go on for decades. An experienced New Jersey criminal lawyer can help parolees understand their rights and obligations. They can also defend against parole violations to avoid more prison time.

Parole supervision for life is a demanding lifelong sentence in New Jersey. For certain sex crimes, it’s mandatory after serving time in prison. These parolees must follow strict rules and scrutiny forever. Even technical violations can land parolees back behind bars for years. It’s an extremely serious penalty that restricts freedoms long after release. Anyone facing charges related to parole supervision for life needs knowledgeable legal help. With an attorney’s guidance, parolees can understand the lifelong implications and try to mitigate the penalties.