Kings County Supreme Court Criminal Term hosts CLE on Sex Offender Registration Act

April 17, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Bill Neri joins Judge Guy Mangano Jr. and attorney Robert "Trey" Sandusky III, Esq., for a photo during the recent CLE on the Sex Offender Registration Act hosted at Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term. Photos courtesy of Bill Neri

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The Court Attorneys of Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, recently convened for their quarterly Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program titled “SORA: After the Conviction,” held at 320 Jay St., inside the boardroom of the Supreme Court, Criminal Term.

The event was hosted by Bill Neri, principal court attorney to Justice Vincent Del Giudice, and featured insightful contributions from Judge Guy Mangano, Jr., and attorney Robert “Trey” Sandusky III, Esq.

The program focused on the complexities of the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), New York’s version of Megan’s Law, which mandates registration for individuals convicted of sex offenses on or after Jan. 21, 1996. The law requires these individuals to register with the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and abide by specific obligations and restrictions, particularly concerning housing and community integration.

Judge Guy Mangano, Jr., addresses a room full of court attorneys at the Kings County Supreme Court during the quarterly Continuing Legal Education program focused on the complexities of SORA.

Participants delved into the details of the SORA classification process, where individuals are assigned a risk level that determines their reporting requirements and community notification. The risk levels range from Level 1, indicating a low risk of repeat offense, to Level 3, denoting a high risk. Each level carries distinct requirements, such as the frequency of registration updates and the extent of community notification.

The CLE program also explored the challenges and procedures for out-of-state offenders moving to New York, emphasizing the necessity of contacting the NY DCJS within ten days of relocating to ensure compliance with state requirements.

This educational event highlighted the ongoing efforts of the court to provide legal professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the intricacies of SORA, enhancing their capacity to assist clients effectively.