In Re the Care & Treatment of Zishka

Leben, J.:

Paul Dale Zishka appeals the district court’s decision at his annual review hearing to maintain his status in treatment in the Sexual Predator Treatment Program. On appeal, Zishka argues that the district court violated his rights when it failed to hold a hearing and failed to appoint an attorney to represent him. We agree.

Persons involuntarily committed as sexually violent predators are entitled to an annual review hearing at which they are represented by counsel. Here, the district court gave no hearing notice and simply signed a proposed order'—submitted by the State—finding that…