William Junior Barber v. State of Florida

William Junior Barber seeks review of the trial court’s order denying his motion to dismiss an involuntary civil commitment petition filed against him under the Jimmy Ryce Act. §§ 394.910-932, Fla. Stat. He claims that he was not in lawful custody at the time the commitment process was initiated, rendering the petition untimely and compelling his immediate release. We disagree, and deny the petition.

In May 2013, Barber was arrested and charged with one count each of kidnapping and sexual battery. The arrest report stated that Barber approached the victim, a homeless woman, and dragged her…