D.A.H. v. Seattle Times Co.

Under the sexually violent predator provisions of the Community Protection Act, RCW 71.09, once a person has been ordered detained for possible commitment for treatment, he or she is entitled to a probable cause hearing within 72 hours. The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether probable cause exists to believe that the person is a sexually violent predator. If the court determines that probable cause exists, the person is then transferred to an appropriate facility for evaluation, and a trial is held to decide, based upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt, whether the person should be…