UNDERSTAND YOUR RIGHT TO SPECIFIC INFORMATION UNDER NEW YORK STATE'S VERSION OF MEGAN'S LAW
The Sex Offender Registration Act
New York's version of Megan's Law establishes registration and notification provisions and requires the classification of convicted sex offenders using a three-tier system. The law establishes three levels of notification which increase as the offenders' risk to the community increases. Prior to an offender's release, a level of notification recommendation is made to the sentencing court: level 1 (low risk), level 2 (moderate risk) or Level 3 (high risk).
The risk level assigned establishes the level of notification to the public and/or law enforcement agencies. In other words, the risk level determines the amount of information law enforcement is authorized to release to the public using various types of community and neighborhood notification. The type of notification implemented is based upon an evaluation of the risk of reoffense the particular offender poses to the community.
In addition, police departments and other law enforcement agencies in New York are required to house a publicly accessible book, known as a subdirectory of high risk sex offenders (level 3), which can be viewed at such agencies upon request. The subdirectory is maintained and distributed by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
The subdirectory includes the addresses and photographs of convicted New York State registered level 3 sex offenders along with the following information if available: physical description, age and distinctive markings such as tattoos. Background information including the sex offender's crime of conviction, mode of operation, type of victim targeted and a description of special conditions imposed on the offender may also be provided.
Use one of the following links to View Article 6-C the Sex Offender Registration Act, more commonly known as Megan's Law.
http://assembly.state.ny.us/cgi-bin/claws?law=22&art=11
http://www.senate.state.ny.us/