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American University Washington College of Law

Series

2008

Criminal Procedure

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Law

The Mythical Divide Between Collateral And Direct Consequences Of Criminal Convictions: Involuntary Commitment Of "Sexually Violent Predators", Jenny M. Roberts Jan 2008

The Mythical Divide Between Collateral And Direct Consequences Of Criminal Convictions: Involuntary Commitment Of "Sexually Violent Predators", Jenny M. Roberts

Articles in Law Reviews & Other Academic Journals

Thomas Steele pleaded guilty to rape and other charges in exchange for a sentence of twelve to thirty years in a Massa- chusetts state prison.' Shortly before he became eligible for pa- role on this criminal conviction, the state classified Steele as a "sexually dangerous person." Although Steele has completed his prison sentence, the state continues to confine him under a Massachusetts law that allows for the involuntary civil com- mitment of "sexually dangerous persons." The order commit- ting him stated that he could be held for a period ranging from one day to life.