In Re Detention of Varner

Respondent, Herbert Varner, appeals from a jury verdict finding him to be a sexually violent person and the trial court’s entry of a commitment order pursuant to the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act (the Act) (725 ILCS 207/1 et seq. (West 1998)). On appeal, respondent challenges the constitutionality of the Act. Respondent also contends that the trial court erred in ordering him committed to institutional care in a secure facility and that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel. We affirm.

On August 18, 1998, the State initiated proceedings to commit respondent indefinitely…