Virginia's Sexually Violence Predators Act: A Guide for Virginia [Court-Appointed] Attorneys

Following this introduction, Part I deals with a brief historical perspective on SVP statutes. Part II provides an outline of the preliminary processes involved before an SVP civil commitment proceeding is started. Part III discusses the courtroom phases of trial, both the probable cause hearing and the trial itself. Part IV discusses the options for the judge following trial.

This comment concludes with a discussion of some possible approaches for the courtappointed attorney in handling SVP civil commitment cases.