2018 IL App (4th) 170511
NO. 4-17-0511 FILED
June 14, 2018
IN THE APPELLATE COURT Carla Bender
4th District Appellate
OF ILLINOIS Court, IL
FOURTH DISTRICT
In re THE COMMITMENT OF JON CANADA, a ) Appeal from the
Sexually Violent Person ) Circuit Court of
) Livingston County
(The People of the State of Illinois, ) No. 12MR23
Petitioner-Appellee, )
v. ) Honorable
Jon Canada, ) Robert M. Travers,
Respondent-Appellant). ) Judge Presiding.
JUSTICE STEIGMANN delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion.
Justices Knecht and Cavanagh concurred in the judgment and opinion.
OPINION
¶1 In August 2014, a jury found respondent, Jon Canada, to be a sexually violent
person. In June 2015, the trial court committed respondent to the custody of the Department of
Human Services for control, care, and treatment until such time that he was no longer a sexually
violent person.
¶2 In June 2016, Dr. Richard Travis conducted a psychological reexamination of
respondent. Travis concluded that respondent had not made sufficient progress in treatment to be
conditionally released. Travis also concluded that respondent remained a sexually violent person.
¶3 Later in June 2016, the trial court scheduled a probable cause hearing to
determine whether facts exist to believe that respondent was no longer a sexually violent person.
The State then filed a motion for a finding of no probable cause.
¶4 In August 2016, respondent filed a petition for conditional release. In December
2016, the trial court appointed Dr. Luis Rosell as respondent’s independent evaluator. Rosell
ultimately concluded that respondent made sufficient progress in treatment to be conditionally
released.
¶5 In May 2017, the trial court held a probable cause hearing. The court ultimately
concluded (1) there was probable cause to believe that respondent remained a sexually violent
person and (2) there was no probable cause to believe that respondent made sufficient progress in
treatment to be conditionally released.
¶6 Respondent appeals, arguing that there was probable cause to believe that he
made sufficient progress in treatment to be conditionally released. We disagree and affirm.
¶7 I. BACKGROUND
¶8 A. The Civil Confinement of Respondent
¶9 In September 2009, the State charged respondent with aggravated criminal sexual
abuse for inappropriately touching a 14-year-old girl. In September 2010, respondent pled guilty
to aggravated criminal sexual abuse. 720 ILCS 5/12-16(d) (West 2008). The trial court sentenced
petitioner to three years in prison.
¶ 10 In March 2012, the State petitioned to commit respondent under the Sexually
Violent Persons Commitment Act (Act). 725 ILCS 207/15 (West 2012). Under the Act, a
sexually violent person is an individual who (1) has been convicted of a sexually violent offense,
(2) suffers from a mental disorder, and (3) is substantially probable to engage in acts of sexual
violence. Id. § 5(f). In this context, a mental disorder is “a congenital or acquired condition
affecting the emotional or volitional capacity that predisposes a person to engage in acts of
sexual violence.” Id. § 5(b). Substantially probable means “ ‘much more likely than not.’ ” In re
Commitment of Curtner, 2012 IL App (4th) 110820, ¶ 37, 972 N.E.2d 351.
-2
¶ 11 In August 2014, a jury found respondent to be a sexually violent person. In June
2015, the trial court committed respondent to the custody of the Department of Human Services
for control, care, and treatment until such time that he was no longer a sexually violent person.
Respondent appealed, and this court affirmed. In re Commitment of Canada, 2016 IL App (4th)
150767-U (unpublished order under Supreme Court Rule 23).
¶ 12 B. The State’s Reexamination of Respondent
¶ 13 In June 2016, Travis conducted a psychological reexamination of respondent. The
purpose of the reexamination was to determine (1) whether respondent made sufficient progress
in treatment to be conditionally released and (2) whether respondent remained a sexually violent
person. 725 ILCS 207/55(a) (West 2016).
¶ 14 Travis concluded that respondent had not made sufficient progress in treatment to
be conditionally released. He noted that respondent had “just begun sex offender treatment” and
that he still needs “intensive treatment.” Travis further noted that although “his participation in
treatment is excellent to date, he is only in phase two of the five-phase treatment program. He
has no Relapse Prevention Plan and no Good Lives Plan [citation].”
¶ 15 Travis also concluded that respondent remained a sexually violent person. Travis
diagnosed respondent with the mental disorders of (1) voyeuristic disorder, (2) other specified
personality disorder with antisocial and narcissistic features, and (3) alcohol use disorder. Travis
based this upon respondent’s prior alcohol abuse and his lengthy criminal history, which
included breaking into a woman’s house and masturbating, peeping into windows, and
inappropriately touching a teenager.
¶ 16 Travis further concluded that it was substantially probable that respondent would
engage in future acts of sexual violence. Travis used the Static-99R and the Static-2002R to
-3
predict respondent’s likelihood of recidivism. Travis found that respondent was a high risk on
the Static-99R and a moderate risk on Static-2002R. Travis also concluded that respondent’s age
and his progress in treatment were not independent protective factors that reduced the risk of
recidivism.
¶ 17 C. The Motion for a Finding of No Probable Cause
¶ 18 Later in June 2016, the trial court scheduled a probable cause hearing to
determine whether facts exist to believe that respondent was no longer a sexually violent person.
Id. § 65(b)(1). If the court found that probable cause existed, the court would schedule an
evidentiary hearing where the State would have to prove by clear and convincing evidence that
respondent remained a sexually violent person. Id. § 65(b)(2).
¶ 19 On June 30, 2016, the State filed a motion for a finding of no probable cause. In
support of its motion, the State attached the report Travis prepared.
¶ 20 D. The Petition for Conditional Release
¶ 21 In August 2016, respondent filed a petition for conditional release. Id. § 60(a). If
the trial court found probable cause to believe that respondent had made sufficient progress in
treatment to be conditionally released, the court would schedule an evidentiary hearing on the
issue. Id. § 60(c). At an evidentiary hearing, the State would have to prove by clear and
convincing evidence that respondent had not made sufficient progress in treatment to be
conditionally released. Id. § 60(d).
¶ 22 E. Dr. Rosell’s Evaluation
¶ 23 In December 2016, the trial court appointed Dr. Luis Rosell as respondent’s
independent evaluator. Rosell diagnosed respondent with (1) other specified personality disorder
with antisocial features and (2) alcohol use disorder. Rosell performed actuarial tests to predict
-4
respondent’s risk of recidivism and concluded that respondent represented an above average risk
of reoffending on both the Static-99R and on the Static-2002R tests.
¶ 24 However, Rosell ultimately concluded that respondent made sufficient progress in
treatment to be conditionally released. Rosell noted that respondent had “progressed positively”
during treatment and that he is “currently in Phase 2 of the SVP treatment program.” Rosell
further noted that if respondent “returns to the community[,] he would be required to adhere to
all the conditions required of conditional release. The list of requirements consists of dozens of
rules that Mr. Canada would have to abide by.” Rosell opined that respondent “would be aware
that if he were not to abide by the conditions required he could *** be returned to [civil
confinement].” Rosell further noted that respondent “has expressed a desire to follow all the
conditions that would be required of him if he were placed in the community.”
¶ 25 F. The Trial Court’s Ruling
¶ 26 In May 2017, the trial court conducted a probable cause hearing. Id. §§ 65(b)(1),
60(c). The court considered only the evaluations prepared by Rosell and Travis and the parties’
arguments. The court ultimately concluded (1) there was probable cause to believe that
respondent remains a sexually violent person and (2) there was no probable cause to believe that
respondent made sufficient progress in treatment to be conditionally released.
¶ 27 This appeal followed.
¶ 28 II. ANALYSIS
¶ 29 Respondent appeals, arguing there was probable cause to believe that he made
sufficient progress in treatment to be conditionally released. Accordingly, respondent requests an
evidentiary hearing on this issue. We disagree and affirm.
¶ 30 A. The Applicable Statute
-5
¶ 31 A sexually violent person in civil confinement may petition the trial court for
conditional release. Id. § 60(a). After the examiners file their reports, the trial court must set a
probable cause hearing. Id. § 60(c). The probable cause hearing consists of a review of the
evaluators’ reports and arguments by the parties. Id. If the court finds probable cause to believe
the person has made sufficient progress in treatment to the point where he is no longer
substantially probable to engage in acts of sexual violence if he is on conditional release, the
court shall set an evidentiary hearing on the issue. Id.
¶ 32 B. The Applicable Case Law
¶ 33 At a probable cause hearing for conditional release, the respondent must present
plausible evidence that it is not substantially probable that he will engage in acts of sexual
violence if he is on conditional release. In re Commitment of Smego, 2017 IL App (2d) 160335,
¶ 25, 90 N.E.3d 530 (citing In re Detention of Stanbridge, 2012 IL 112337, ¶ 54, 980 N.E.2d
598). This plausible evidence can be (1) a change in the respondent himself, (2) a change in
professional knowledge or the methods used to evaluate a person’s mental disorder or risk of
reoffending, or (3) a change in the applicable legal definitions. Stanbridge, 2012 IL 112337,
¶ 72.
¶ 34 A court must consider the reasonable inferences that can be drawn from the
evidence, but it cannot choose between conflicting facts or inferences or engage in a full and
independent evaluation of an expert’s credibility or methodology. Smego, 2017 IL App (2d)
160335, ¶ 23. Nevertheless, without some evidence of sufficient progress or other changed
relevant circumstance, the opinion of an expert witness is insufficient to establish probable
cause. Stanbridge, 2012 IL 112337, ¶ 76.
¶ 35 The respondent bears the burden of establishing probable cause. Smego, 2017 IL
-6
App (2d) 160335, ¶ 23. The existence of probable cause is governed by commonsense
considerations and concerns the probability of criminal activity. People v. Jackson, 232 Ill. 2d
246, 275, 903 N.E.2d 338, 403 (2009) (cited with approval in In re Detention of Hardin, 238 Ill.
2d 33, 45, 932 N.E.2d 1016, 1023 (2010)). Probable cause deals with the practical considerations
of everyday life upon which a reasonable and prudent person, rather than a legal technician, acts.
People v. Love, 199 Ill. 2d 269, 279, 769 N.E.2d 10, 17 (2002).
¶ 36 The existence of probable cause is a question of law and becomes a question of
fact only if the underlying facts are in dispute. In re Commitment of Kirst, 2015 IL App (2d)
140532, ¶ 49, 40 N.E.3d 1215. When no testimony is presented and the trial court is merely
reviewing documentary evidence, our review is de novo. In re Commitment of Galba, 2017 IL
App (3d) 150613, ¶ 10, 79 N.E.3d 762.
¶ 37 C. This Case
¶ 38 Respondent argues there was probable cause to believe that he made sufficient
progress in treatment to be conditionally released. 725 ILCS 207/60(c) (West 2016). We
disagree.
¶ 39 1. The Treatment Program
¶ 40 First, respondent was only in phase two of his five-phase treatment program.
Based upon the facts of this case, we conclude that respondent failed to prove that this was
sufficient progress as required under the Act. Id. § 60(c).
¶ 41 For example, in Smego, 2017 IL App (2d) 160335, ¶ 4, the respondent petitioned
the court for conditional release. The respondent in that case was also only in phase two of his
five-phase treatment program, and his independent evaluator concluded that he was suitable for
conditional release. Id. ¶ 26. The trial court denied the respondent’s petition for conditional
-7
release. Id. ¶ 20. The respondent appealed, arguing that he established probable cause for an
evidentiary hearing based upon his progress. Id. ¶ 21. The Second District disagreed, reasoning
as follows:
“We do not find respondent’s arguments persuasive. Of course, we
recognize that *** respondent did complete some additional therapy. That does
little to support a finding that he had made sufficient “progress in treatment”
(emphasis added) (725 ILCS 207/60(c) (West 2014)) such that it was no longer
substantially probable that he would engage in acts of sexual violence were he
released. Moreover, that respondent was still in the second stage of a five-stage
program that has been deemed necessary and appropriate to reduce this
probability cuts strongly the other way.” (Emphases added and in original.) Id.
¶ 27.
¶ 42 As did the Second District in Smego, we recognize that respondent has made some
progress in treatment. However, he has failed to demonstrate that he made sufficient progress as
required under the Act. 725 ILCS 207/60(c) (West 2016); Smego, 2017 IL App (2d) 160335,
¶ 27; see Galba, 2017 IL App (3d) 150613, ¶ 13 (the respondent failed to establish probable
cause that he was no longer a sexually violent person when he was less than halfway through his
prescribed treatment program); see also Kirst, 2015 IL App (2d) 140532, ¶ 58 (the respondent
failed to establish probable cause that he was no longer a sexually violent person when he was
only in phase two of his five-phase treatment program).
¶ 43 2. Dr. Rosell’s Evaluation
¶ 44 Second, Rosell’s report was insufficient to establish probable cause. Without
some evidence of sufficient progress or other changed relevant circumstance, the opinion of an
-8
expert witness is insufficient to establish probable cause. Stanbridge, 2012 IL 112337, ¶ 76.
¶ 45 In this case, Rosell recommended conditional release and noted that if respondent
“returns to the community[,] he would be required to adhere to all the conditions required of
conditional release. The list of requirements consists of dozens of rules that Mr. Canada would
have to abide by [citation].” Rosell further noted that respondent “would be aware that if he were
not to abide by the conditions required he could be *** returned to [civil confinement.]” Finally,
Rosell noted that respondent “has expressed a desire to follow all the conditions that would be
required of him if he were placed in the community.”
¶ 46 We conclude that Rosell’s opinion fails to establish probable cause because his
opinion was not based on any sufficient progress or any other changed relevant circumstance. To
the contrary, Rosell diagnosed respondent with (1) other specified personality disorder with
antisocial features and (2) alcohol use disorder, and Rosell also noted that respondent represented
an above average risk of reoffending on both the Static-99R and on the Static-2002R tests.
¶ 47 Based upon his own report, Rosell’s opinion was not based upon sufficient
progress or any other changed relevant circumstance. In fact, Rosell’s own report casts doubt
upon respondent’s volitional capacity to abide by the terms of conditional release. Accordingly,
Rosell’s report fails to establish probable cause to believe that respondent made sufficient
progress in treatment to be conditionally released. See id. ¶ 76 (“Without some evidence of
sufficient progress or other relevant changed circumstances, the opinion was insufficient to
establish probable cause.”); see Smego, 2017 IL App (2d) 160335, ¶ 28 (evaluator’s report failed
to establish probable cause when it was not based on any progress the respondent had made).
¶ 48 3. Other Relevant Factors
¶ 49 Last, we note that respondent, rather than the State, bore the burden of
-9
establishing probable cause. Smego, 2017 IL App (2d) 160335, ¶ 23. Although the probable
cause threshold is not high, neither is it minimal. Id. ¶ 30. We conclude that respondent failed to
meet his burden.
¶ 50 For example, Travis concluded that respondent had not made sufficient progress
in treatment to be conditionally released because he had “just begun sex offender treatment” and
that he still needs “intensive treatment (citation omitted).” Travis diagnosed respondent with the
mental disorders of (1) voyeuristic disorder, (2) other specified personality disorder with
antisocial and narcissistic features, and (3) alcohol use disorder. Travis used the Static-99R and
the Static-2002R to predict respondent’s likelihood of recidivism. Respondent was a high risk on
the Static-99R and a moderate risk on Static-2002R. Based upon this, Travis concluded that there
is a substantial probability that respondent will engage in future acts of sexual violence.
¶ 51 Likewise, Rosell diagnosed respondent with (1) other specified personality
disorder with antisocial features and (2) alcohol use disorder. Rosell performed actuarial tests to
predict respondent’s risk of recidivism and concluded that respondent represented an above
average risk of reoffending on both the Static-99R and on the Static-2002R tests.
¶ 52 Finally, as we previously noted, respondent was only in phase two of his five-
phase treatment program. This was not sufficient progress as required under the Act. 725 ILCS
207/60(c) (West 2016); Smego, 2017 IL App (2d) 160335, ¶ 27 (being in the “second stage of a
five-stage program that has been deemed necessary and appropriate to reduce this probability
cuts strongly the other way”).
¶ 53 In sum, based upon commonsense considerations and the probability of criminal
activity, we conclude there was no probable cause to believe that respondent made sufficient
progress in treatment to be conditionally released. Hardin, 238 Ill. 2d at 45.
- 10
¶ 54 III. CONCLUSION
¶ 55 For the reasons stated, we affirm the trial court’s judgment.
¶ 56 Affirmed.
- 11