Opinion ID: 2069196
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Current Hospitalization, Rehospitalization, and Release Procedures for Insanity Acquittees

Text: The commitment and release of insanity acquittees is governed by D.C.Code §§ 24-301 to -303 (1996). Requests for release, conditional release or a change of the conditions of release for the patient may be initiated by the Hospital. D.C.Code § 24-301(e). However, pursuant to D.C.Code § 24-301(k)(2) and (5), an insanity acquittee may file a motion for release every six months, and for good cause shown, the court, in its discretion may consider such motions more often. Under these same provisions, acquittees who have been released conditionally can move for unconditional release, a change in conditions of release, or for other relief related to their hospitalization. D.C.Code §§ 24-301(k)(1), (2), and (3). The burden is on the acquittee to show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that he or she is entitled to the relief requested. D.C.Code § 24-301(k)(3). If applying that standard the court finds that the person is entitled to his release from custody, either conditional or unconditional, a change in the conditions of his release, or other relief, the court must enter an appropriate order. Id. If relief by motion proves to be inadequate or ineffective to challenge the validity of the person's detention, an application may be made on that person's behalf for a writ of habeas corpus. D.C.Code § 24-301(k)(7). Currently, there are no statutory or other rules prescribing the procedures to be followed by the Hospital when returning an insanity acquittee, who has been living in the community pursuant to a conditional release order, to full inpatient status at the Hospital. [5] However, according to the record in this case, the Hospital has an informal procedure which it follows in such cases. Specifically, after an acquittee is returned to inpatient status, the Hospital notifies the court by letter of the patient's return, as soon as is practicable, generally within 5 business days. The Hospital also mails a copy of this letter to the acquittee's last known counsel. The Hospital includes in the letter information about the date and reason for the patient's return. The patient is then placed in an admissions unit for evaluation and treatment. If the patient has not been returned to the community within sixty days, a treatment team recommends the patient's placement in a maximum, medium or minimum security ward, or for return to the community, consistent with the patient's condition. If the patient is recommended for a minimum or medium security ward, the Hospital will not request revocation because it anticipates that the patient will soon resume some form of conditional release. The Hospital may recommend a change in the patient's status or conditions of release under D.C.Code § 24-301(e). Action under this section requires notification of the original prosecuting authority, either the United States Attorney or the Corporation Counsel, who may object or support the recommendation. Id. The court may hold a hearing in its discretion, or upon objection by the prosecuting authority in the case, must hold an evidentiary hearing. Id. If revocation proceedings are not initiated by the Hospital, the acquittee may challenge the withholding of his conditional release privileges by filing a motion under D.C.Code § 24-301(k)(5) or by applying for a habeas corpus if it appears that the remedy by motion is inadequate or ineffective to test the validity of his detention. D.C.Code § 24-301(k)(7).