Opinion ID: 2089336
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Temporal Context of the Likelihood of Reoffending.

Text: Respondent next argues chapter 229A requires a showing that he is more likely than not to reoffend within one year prior to an involuntary confinement, citing Iowa Code section 229A.8 as support for his contention. This section applies to individuals who have already been adjudged sexually violent predators. See Iowa Code § 229A.8. It requires an annual review and probable-cause hearing for all sexual predators to determine whether continued confinement is proper. See id. We cannot accept defendant's argument that the legislature, in providing for an annual review, required the State to prove that an alleged sexual predator is expected to reoffend within a period of one year. Iowa Code section 229A.2 requires the State to prove that respondent is more likely than not [to] engage in acts of a sexually violent nature, but does not include a time frame as to when the acts should be expected to occur. Iowa Code § 229A.2(3), (9) (Supp.1999). As the State urges, the legislature has recognized that the treatment needs of [sexually violent predators] are very long-term. Iowa Code § 229A.1. Hence, we are convinced that the legislature did not intend to impose a burden upon the State to prove that alleged sexual predators are expected to reoffend within a specific time period, particularly a relatively short, one-year time period.