In Re Commitment of Arends

¶ 1. This case involves the discharge procedure for a person civilly committed as a sexually violent person under Wis. Stat. ch. 980 (2005-06).1 Daniel Arends was civilly committed in 2005 as a sexually violent person, and he peti*3tioned for discharge under Wis. Stat. § 980.09 in 2007. The circuit court reviewed the petition for discharge and three reports discussing Arends' propensity for sexual violence and his treatment. The circuit court denied the petition, stating in a written order that "[t]he court does not find probable cause exists" to conduct a discharge hearing (a trial on the…