In re the Detention of Ward

¶1 — Bradley Ward petitioned the trial court for release from commitment as a sexually violent predator. At the hearing to determine whether probable cause exists to warrant a full trial on the issue, Ward presented a report from an expert who opined that he is not a sexually violent predator. The trial court concluded that Ward did not establish probable cause because, inter alia, the expert relied on changes in diagnostic practices to conclude that Ward had “so changed” under RCW 71.09.090. We hold that new diagnostic practices can be the basis for change under RCW 71.09.090. We further…