Opinion ID: 1785851
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Sex Offender Treatment

Text: To decide whether the reasoning of Lawson applies to the context of sex offender treatment, we must review the applicable statutes. Section 948.30, Florida Statutes (2007), requires the imposition of mandatory standard conditions of probation for certain sex offenders. The condition at issue here  [a]ctive participation in and successful completion of a sex offender treatment program  is one such condition. See § 948.30(1)(c), Fla. Stat. (2007) (previously codified at § 948.03(5)(a)(3), Fla. Stat. (2003)). The statutes applicable to sex offender probation emphasize the individualized nature of treatment. For example, the very definition of sex offender probation provides that it is a form of intensive supervision . . . which emphasizes treatment and supervision of a sex offender in accordance with an individualized treatment plan.  § 948.001(10), Fla. Stat. (2007) (emphasis added); see also § 948.31, Fla. Stat. (2007) (providing for diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of offenders placed on probation or community control for certain sex offenses or child exploitation, including a requirement that the court be provided a plan for counseling for the individual ) (emphasis added). The legislative goal of individualized treatment, as well as other policies behind probation, also favors individualized determinations of whether the failure to complete a treatment program constitutes a violation of probation. In Woodson, the Fifth District analyzed the statute and the goals of imposing sex offender probation to conclude: While the Legislature has clearly indicated that the emphasis of sex offender probation is treatment of the offender, the concomitant goals of rehabilitation and protection of society once the sex offender is released on supervision may only be accomplished if the offender undertakes immediate treatment, as required by section 948.03(5)(a)3. It makes no sense to release the offender into society on a lengthy term of probation only to allow the offender the discretion to undertake treatment several years later toward the end of the probationary period. Releasing a sex offender, untreated, does not alleviate the concern that he or she will reoffend and affords no protection to society. Moreover, a requirement that provides additional chances for treatment in the future before expiration of the probationary period after willful failure to actively participate in and complete a sex offender treatment program, simply because the offender expresses a willingness to comply at a later date, opens the door to mischievous manipulation by the offender and thwarts all of the goals of probation. . . . . We believe that affording the trial court discretion in determining whether a violation of sex offender probation is willful and substantial, and the penalty to be imposed for a violation, provides the court with flexibility in imposing just punishments for probation violations, comports with legislative intent and fosters the goal of imposing probation as a criminal sanction. 864 So.2d at 516-17 (footnote omitted); see also Woodson, 889 So.2d at 824 (Pariente, C.J., concurring) (Because each [sex offender] treatment plan is individualized, it is not always realistic for the trial judge to specify time parameters for completion at the time of sentencing.). We agree. Sex offender treatment, like drug treatment, focuses on rehabilitation pursuant to an individualized treatment plan. Lawson, 969 So.2d at 232; see §§ 948.001(10), 948.30(1)(c), 948.31, Fla. Stat. (2007). As with the probationary condition of drug treatment, trial courts must have the flexibility to address particular circumstances. We therefore conclude, consistent with Lawson, that even where the probation order fails to specify the number of chances the defendant has to complete the program or impose a time limit for compliance, the trial court retains discretion to find a defendant in willful and substantial violation of probation for failure to attend and complete a sex offender treatment program.