New Jersey has determined that anyone convicted of certain sex offenses should be penalized with a sentence of parole supervision for life (PSL) after their release from prison. PSL is mandatory for convictions of sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and sex crimes against a kidnapping victim under age 16. Parole supervision for life means the parolee will be subject to rules and conditions as set forth by their parole officer for at least 15 years. PSL applies to individuals convicted after January 14, 2004. Community supervision for life (CSL) is an earlier version of PSL that applies to convictions and sentences handed down before 2004. An individual who violates the terms of a PSL could return to prison for up to five years. However, a parolee charged with violating a PSL retains the right to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Jason A. Volet is an experienced New Jersey sex crimes defense attorney and can help if you have been accused of violating the terms of parole supervision for life. Contact us now for a free consultation.
that adopting the amendment amounted to passing an “ex post facto law,” which the U.S. Constitution and the New Jersey Constitution prohibit. An ex post facto law is one that applies to events occurring before its enactment and that unfairly disadvantages the offender affected by it. The result is that the violation of a CSL, imposed upon release from prison for certain sex crimes committed prior to 2004, remains a fourth-degree offense punishable by up to 18 months in prison.
Help for Those Who Have Violated a PSL in New Jersey
If you have been accused of violating the terms of parole supervision for life (PSL) or community supervision for life (CSL), you are innocent until proven guilty and have additional rights. This is a complex area of New Jersey criminal law. You need a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who knows the law and will stand up for your rights. At The Law Offices of Jason A. Volet, our experienced New Jersey sex crimes defense attorney can explain your legal options and defend you in court. Contact us in Freehold or Neptune, NJ, today for a free consultation.
