In re Detention of Belcher

This court case is completed

The ACLU of Washington filed an amicus brief in this case arguing that Mr. Belcher’s continued indefinite civil commitment for sex offenses committed as a juvenile violate his due process rights. The brief argued that relying on conduct that occurred before an individual’s brain was fully mature, as the basis to seek indefinite commitment, violates due process. The brief asked the court to reverse Mr. Belcher’s Commitment and hold that juvenile misconduct alone is insufficient to commit a person under RCW 71.09.  The Court rejected these arguments and upheld Mr. Belcher’s commitment.