People v. Cheek

Opinion

KENNARD, J.

This case concerns the annual review hearing afforded defendants committed under the Sexually Violent Predators Act (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 6600 et seq. (Act)).

The Act provides for civil commitment for a renewable two-year term of criminal defendants who, after serving their prison term, are found to be “sexually violent predator[s].’’ (§ 6604.) Once so committed, a defendant is entitled to an annual review of his or her mental condition. (§ 6605.) Unless the defendant waives the right to petition for conditional release to a community treatment program (§ 6608), the superior…