Perceived Collateral Consequences of Megan's Law

Studies confirm the incidence of sexual offenses has not been significantly impacted by sex offender registration and community notification laws. One reason may be that they create an overwhelming number of collateral consequences making reintegration, and thus rehabilitation, impossible. The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine those collateral consequences. A non-random sample of Registered Sexual Offenders (RSO's; n=72) completed an online, 76-item survey assessing (a) demographics; (b) conviction history; and (c) collateral consequences of registration and community notification. Forty-four percent of the RSO's were married and 57% had children. Seventy-one percent had education beyond high school, yet only 38% were working full-time. Most reported collateral consequences. For example, 26% were verbally and physically threatened after community notification while 42% were harassed. Furthermore, collateral consequences extended to family members with 17% reporting their partners had been verbally or physically threatened and 31% harassed. Interestingly, 24% also report their children had suffered harassment. Fifty-percent lost friends and 56% lost social support, which might explain why 80% reported feeling depressed, sad, and isolated. These collateral consequences do not appear to subside with time as 61% had been convicted more than 5 years ago. Finally, 0% reported recidivating and 93% did not feel at risk for committing another sexual offense. Although evidence exists suggesting these laws are ineffective at preventing sexual crimes, it is evident they create an unstable environment for RSO's and their family members; a context that could increase the risk they will recidivate.