(1) If the secretary or the secretary’s designee at any time determines that the person is not likely to commit acts of sexual violence if discharged, the secretary or the secretary’s designee shall authorize the person to petition the court for release. The petition shall be served upon the court and the state attorney. The court, upon receipt of such a petition, shall order a trial before the court within 30 days, unless continued for good cause.
(2) The state attorney shall represent the state, and has the right to have the person examined by professionals of the state attorney’s choice. The state bears the burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, that the person’s mental condition remains such that it is not safe for the person to be at large and that, if released, the person is likely to engage in acts of sexual violence.
History.—s. 11, ch. 98-64; s. 14, ch. 99-222.
Note.—Former s. 916.39.
Structure Florida Statutes
Part V - Involuntary Civil Commitment of Sexually Violent Predators (Ss. 394.910-394.932)
394.910 - Legislative findings and intent.
394.9125 - State attorney; authority to refer a person for civil commitment.
394.915 - Determination of probable cause; hearing; evaluation; respondent taken into custody; bail.
394.9151 - Contract authority.
394.9155 - Rules of procedure and evidence.
394.916 - Trial; counsel and experts; indigent persons; jury.
394.918 - Examinations; notice; court hearings for release of committed persons; burden of proof.
394.919 - Authorized petition for release; procedure.
394.920 - Petition for release.
394.921 - Release of records to agencies, multidisciplinary teams, and state attorney.
394.9215 - Right to habeas corpus.
394.9221 - Certified security personnel.
394.923 - Immunity from civil liability.
394.925 - Applicability of act.
394.926 - Notice to victims and others of release of persons in the custody of the department.
394.9265 - Introduction or removal of certain articles unlawful; penalty.
394.928 - Subsistence fees and costs of treatment.
394.930 - Authority to adopt rules.