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HomeWelfare and Institutions CodeDiv. 6Pt. 2Ch. 2Art. 4§ 6604 Sexually Violent Predator Commitment

§ 6604 Sexually Violent Predator Commitment

Welfare and Institutions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 6604 Sexually Violent Predator Commitment

Key Takeaways

  • •A court or jury decides if someone is a 'sexually violent predator'—they have to be really, really sure.
  • •If they're not sure, the person goes free after their prison time or parole ends.
  • •If they are sure, the person gets sent to a special hospital with tight security for treatment, not prison.
  • •This hospital is near a prison but is run by doctors, not prison guards.

Example

A man finishes his 10-year prison sentence for a serious crime. The state thinks he might still be dangerous.

A jury looks at all the facts. If they’re not 100% sure he’s still a big risk, he walks free. If they are sure, he goes to a locked hospital for help instead of going home.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 6604 Sexually Violent Predator Commitment

The court or jury shall determine whether, beyond a reasonable doubt, the person is a sexually violent predator. If the court or jury is not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the person is a sexually violent predator, the court shall direct that the person be released at the conclusion of the term for which he or she was initially sentenced, or that the person be unconditionally released at the end of parole, whichever is applicable. If the court or jury determines that the person is a sexually violent predator, the person shall be committed for an indeterminate term to the custody of the State Department of State Hospitals for appropriate treatment and confinement in a secure facility designated by the Director of State Hospitals. The facility shall be located on the grounds of an institution under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 24, Sec. 143. (AB 1470) Effective June 27, 2012. Note: This section was amended on Nov. 7, 2006, by initiative Prop. 83.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

treatmentsexually violent predatorsentencehospitalcrimecustodyparolefine

Related Statutes

  • § 6601 Sexually Violent Predator Evaluation
  • § 208 Juvenile Adult Facility Separation
  • § 5259.3 Mental Health Release Immunity
  • § 5585.50 Minor Emergency Mental Health Detention
  • § 6600 Sexually Violent Predator Definition

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 6604.
View Official Source