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THESE ARE DANGEROUS TIMES IN WHICH WE LIVE

Jan 14 2010
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Civil Commitment: Pre-Emptive Strike against Future Acts by Convicted Sex Offenders
By: Houston Criminal Attorney John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair

In 1999 John Charles Volungus plead guilty in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky to three federal criminal sex offenses: possession of child pornography; receipt of child pornography through interstate commerce by means of a computer; and use of a facility of interstate commerce (computer) to persuade a person under the age of eighteen to engage in a sexual act.1/

He was sentenced to 53 months in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) to be followed by a term of supervised release. He was released from actual custody only to have his supervised release revoked. He was returned to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons for another23 months. This latter term of imprisonment expired on February 15, 2007.2/

Although housed at a number of different facilities while in the custody of the BOP, Volungus was confined at the Federal Medical Center Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts (a prison hospital) when he completely satisfied his prison sentence.3/

Shortly before Volungus’ February 2007 release date, the United States Government filed a petition to have him “civilly committed” as a “ sexually dangerous person” already in federal custody. The government’s action was based on a provision of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act (Walsh Act), which was signed into law in 2006 by former President George W. Bush. This little known provision allows the government to request the civil commitment of any inmate committed to federal penal custody for a sex offense upon completion of the inmate’s federal sentence.4/

The provision is known in the federal court system as a “Section 4248 proceeding.”

Section 4248 defines a “sexually dangerous person” as anyone “who has engaged or attempted to engage in sexually violent conduct or child molestation and who is sexually dangerous to others.” 4248 says the individual becomes “sexually dangerous” when he/she “suffers from a serious mental illness, abnormality, or disorder as a result of which he would have serious difficulty in refraining from sexually violent conduct or child molestation if released.”5/

Section 4248 is implemented by the government in the following manner: “A responsible federal official (the Attorney General, the director of the BOP, or the designee of either) may initiate [civil] commitment proceedings by petitioning the federal district court in the judicial district in which a targeted person is confined. The petition must certify to the court that the target, whom we shall call respondent, ‘is a sexually dangerous person.’ The filing of the petition stays the respondent’s release from federal custody, notwithstanding the expiration of his sentence, ‘pending completion of procedures’ described in the Walsh Act.

“Those procedures include an opportunity for the district court to order a mental health examination and to hold a ‘hearing to determine whether the [respondent named in the petition] is a sexually dangerous person.’ At the hearing, the respondent is entitled to counsel and to the opportunity ‘to testify, to present evidence, to subpoena witness on his behalf, and to confront and cross-examine’ the government’s witnesses.

“In prosecuting such a petition, the government has the burden of proving ‘by clear and convincing evidence that the [respondent] is a sexually dangerous person. If the court finds that the government has carried this heavy burden, it must commit the respondent to the custody of the Attorney General. The Attorney General is directed to defer to available state custody, that is, to ‘release the [respondent] to the appropriate official of the State in which [he] is domiciled or was tried if such State will assume responsibility for his custody, care, and treatment.’ In addition, the Attorney General is required ‘to make all reasonable efforts to cause such a State to assume responsibility.’ If such efforts prove unsuccessful, the Attorney General must retain federal custody and place the respondent in a suitable facility for treatment until either an eligible state ‘will assume … responsibility’ or the respondent’s condition is ameliorated to the extent that ‘he can safely be released, either conditionally or unconditionally.’

“The Walsh Act provides an array of post-commitment safeguards to ensure periodic evaluation of a committed person’s overall mental condition, potential dangerousness, and suitability for release. These include a requirement for an annual report setting forth a recommendation for or against continued commitment. If the director of the facility in which the person is confined determines that he is no longer sexually dangerous, the director must notify the court, which must either order the person’s release or schedule a hearing to determine whether release is appropriate. The person himself, through counsel, may petition the court for such a hearing, but not within 180 days after a judicial determination that commitment is appropriate.”6/

The First Circuit Court of Appeals on January 8, 2010 rejected a constitutional challenge by Volungus that Congress lacked the authority to enact the civil commitment provision of the Walsh Act under either the Commerce Clause or the Necessary and Proper Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The appeals court essentially held that the Commerce Clause gives Congress the power to enact criminal laws and attach criminal penalties for violation of those laws.7/

The Necessary and Proper Clause bestows upon Congress an ancillary authority to enact laws for the construction and operation of a prison system and to commit mentally ill prison inmates while they are in federal custody.8/It is the Necessary and Proper Clause, that gave Congress the “broad grant of incidental power” to enact provisions like Section 4248 of the Adam Walsh Act.9/

Section 4248 is actually a close copy of the nearly two dozen laws enacted by the States which permit these states to civilly commit indefinitely “dangerous” sex offenders upon completion of their criminal sentences—a practice that has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court over strenuous objections by civil libertarians that it is an abuse of state police powers, a denial of substantive due process of law, and constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.10/

It is a subject we have explored in the past and about which we drew the conclusion we still hold today:

“While civil commitment has some due process protections attached to it, the process nonetheless has the unconstitutional smell of the WWII Japanese ‘internment camps’ and the modern ‘enemy combatant’ detention facilities. In all three situations, individuals are confined indefinitely not for what they have been convicted of doing but what it is believed they may do in the future … Preventive confinement, no matter the reason, is a dangerous concept—far more dangerous than the individuals it supposedly protects society from.”11/

The First Circuit chose to follow the lead of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals which, in May 2009, also upheld the constitutionality of Section 4248.12/These two circuits broke ranks with the more conservative Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals which, last January, declared that Section 4248 was unconstitutional.13/The U.S. Supreme Court on June 22, 2009 granted certiorari in the Fourth Circuit case and will resolve the constitutional conflict between the circuits on the constitutionality of Section 4248.14/

Beyond the constitutional problems inherent in civil commitments of so-called “sexually dangerous persons,” this practice is beyond a doubt the most costly form of confinement in America. In a March 2007 article the New York Times reported that it cost California taxpayers more than $147 million each year to confine approximately 450 such persons, and that the cheapest cost for such a commitment is in South Carolina where it costs more than $41,000 per year per person. There are now nearly 3,000 such persons in various types of state facilities across the country. Based on the high end cost of custody, care, and treatment of these persons in California and the low end costs in South Carolina, it can be seen that the nationwide costs for civil commitment is staggering.

Given these overwhelming costs of civil commitment, we strongly suspect the Federal government will find itself saddled with the costs for the custody, care and treatment of those federal inmates adjudicated “sexually dangerous persons” under Section 4248. Burdened with daunting budget shortfalls already, states are not going to accept additional costs associated with the indefinite (more often than not life time) custody, care and treatment of those federal inmates determined to be “sexually dangerous persons.” The states will inevitably leave them at the disposal of the U.S. government.

The constitutional repulsive nature of civil commitment of “sexually dangerous” inmates is underscored by the fact that both Congress and State legislatures have the authority to enact mandatory life terms for any sex offense they determine “dangerous.” Anyone convicted for these crimes would spend the rest of their life in prison. It’s that simple. Thus, there is absolutely no need for the costly practice of civil commitment.

There was no evidence in the case law record that John Volungus sexually abused any child. He solicited a minor online with the intent to have sex with the minor, but there is no indication the act was completed. As for the inmate involved in the Eighth Circuit case, Roger Dean Tom, he plead guilty in 1997 to one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor; the Fourth Circuit cases involved five inmates who challenged Section 4248: Earl Comstock plead guilty in 2000 to one count of receiving via computer a sexual image depicting a minor engaged in sexual activity; Shane Catron who was found incompetent to stand trial for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor; Thomas Matherly plead guilty to one count of possession of child pornography; Marvin Vigil plead guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a minor; and Markis Revland plead guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.15/

The case law record does not indicate that any of the admitted sex offenders are either career or serial pedophiles. They were convicted of sex offenses relating to minors which, standing alone, does not make them “sexually dangerous persons.” If conviction alone were enough to make every sex offender a “sexually dangerous person,” then every convicted sex offender at both the federal and state level would have to be civilly committed following completion of their criminal sentence. Such an approach would not only be fiscally irresponsible but would be a tragic waste of human resources because there is no evidence that civil commitment protects society from “child sex predators.”

Finally, each one of these individuals pleaded guilty to the crimes for which they were convicted. They did so before Section 4248 became law. Each can now make a reasonable challenge to their guilty pleas because they were not informed prior to pleading guilty—and prior to waiving the constitutional rights associated with a guilty plea, such as right to trial by jury—that they would one day be subjected to civil commitment. The very existence of Section 4248 now compels criminal defense attorneys to advise their clients prior to entering a guilty plea or accepting a plea bargain from the government that they are subject to civil commitment under Section 4248 upon completion of their criminal sentence. And, of course, this will prompt many defendants to elect to proceed to a costly trial and appeal because his neither their attorney, the prosecuting U.S. Attorney, or the trial court can guarantee the defendant will not face a Section 4248 proceeding upon completion of his “bargained” sentence.

The bottom line is this: Section 4248, and its state cousins, is a “feel good” law enacted for the benefit of high profile crime victim advocates, such as John Walsh, but these kinds of laws do not serve any legitimate penological objective or provide any meaningful protection to society. In fact, in the long run, these preventive detention laws actually harm society because they drain limited funds and human resources away from areas like education, poverty, drug abuse, job creation programs, etc. just to subsidize the “feel good” desires of crime victims.

Although it is contrary to popular sentiment, the only just solution to this problem is treatment, while incarcerated, designed to prevent repeat offending. If this is unsuccessful, the criminal justice system has adequate imprisonment alternatives to prevent any future opportunity to offend.

SOURCES:

1/ 18 U.S.C. § 2452(A)(a)(5)(A); 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2); 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b)
2/ United Statesv. Volungus, 599 F.Supp.2d 68 (U.S.D.C. Mass. 2009)
3/ United Statesv. Volungus, 2010 U.S.App. LEXIS 428 (1st Cir. Jan. 8, 2010)
4/ 18 U.S.C. §§ 4241, 4247-4248
5/ 18 U.S.C. § 4248(a)(5)(6)
6/ Id, Lexis at 3-5
7/ U.S. Const. art. I, § 8, cl. 3
8/ U.S. Const. art. I, § 8, cl. 18;Ex parte Karstendick, 93 U.S. 396 (1876);Greenwood v. United States, 350 U.S. 366 (1956)
9/ Id., Lexis at 10
10/ Kansas v. Hendricks, 521 U.S. 346 (1997)
11/https://www.johntfloyd.com/
comments/march08/05a.htm
12/United States v. Tom, 565 F.3d 497 (8th Cir. 2009)
13/United Statesv. Comstrock, 551 F.3d 274 (4th Cir. 2009)
14/United Statesv. Comstock, 129 S.Ct. 2828, 174 L.Ed.2d 551 (2009)
15/United Statesv. Comstock, 507 F.Supp.2d 522 (W.D. North Carolina 2007)

By: Houston Criminal Lawyer John Floyd and Paralegal Billy Sinclair

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    John represented me in court for roughly 2 years. I won't (and shouldn't) get into any serious details, but let me tell you that I couldn't have chosen anyone better. … More Seriously.Every appearance in court I felt very comfortable. The judge and DA's had a high regard for his reputation. There is a time I recall where simply his presence greatly impacted the court's interpretation of my case and persons. We were in front of the stand and the judge could not stop talking about John's prestige and past accomplishments and how that took in relation to my case. I kept silent in front of the judge, but I observed then that John's popularity and reputation within the court had already given me a better looking rapport with the judge. Let me tell you, I never had more confidence then, knowing that the judge held him in such high regard.This is not to mention how personable John is. I'll be honest that during the stress of court, sharing a laugh with your lawyer helps a lot. This may sound a lot, but I really appreciated the relationship we had then. This is also not to mention that he was able to deal very well with any DA that rotated over the years. Seriously, John was great, prompt with information and very hands on with my case. I had great peace those 2 years until everything wrapped up.If you're looking for a lawyer, I highly, HIGHLY recommend the John T. Floyd Law Firm. He IS nationally renowned, you know. He'll get the job done to the utmost confidence. He's very experienced and has a great record to boot. I am glad to have had him represent me in court and trust me that I never thought I'd ever say that (and whoever does?). We explored every avenue of victory together and I personally enjoyed the experience, despite the seriousness of the accusation.If you have a case that needs to be represented at the highest levels, choose John T. Floyd. He's a good man and very good at what he does. Him and his team has the experience you need to make the best decisions and options to get the best outcome for your case. We got the best result I could possibly ask for, thank God.Seriously. Hire John. He knows what he's doing.Seriously.
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    He gave me one of the most honest answers I have received in a very long time about any issue I was having with anything. Legal or not legal. I highly recommend giving him a call and … More will be referring him to friends and family if they have any issues in the future.Positive
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    He took time out of his day to answer my legal questions and didn’t even charge me. I would definitely recommend him to you.
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    Very professional, great quality work, and very friendly and helpful. Overall, their service is phenomenal. I recommend Mr. Floyd to anyone.
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    Mr. Floyd took the time to explain his experience with the law to me in layman's terms. Definitely give him a call.Positive
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    He was honest , knowledgeable , and professional about what we talked about. Most lawyers are just about the money , but not john.Positive
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    I contacted John T. Floyd Law firm and I was very satisfied with service extremely helpful and friendly thank you Mr. FloydPositive
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  • Avatar Johnny Johnson Jr ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    This law frim was informative,great response time ,and the attorney called back not some secretary or legal assistant thank u guys for all your help wish it was more like youPositive … More
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  • Avatar Dana Adkison ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    I would highly recommend Mr Floyd. He was very helpful and knowledge with a legal question I had.Positive
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  • Avatar Crecencio Fabian ★★★★★ 3 years ago
    He explained my case better then any other lawyerPositive
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  • Avatar Barry Lewis ★★★★ 3 years ago
    Very informative
  • Avatar Ismael Flores ★★★★★ 3 years ago
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  • Avatar Neil Productions ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Had the pleasure speaking with John Floyd on a personal matter, he was very responsive, nothing but exceptional, and he really cares about you with sincerity and most importantly knows … More what is he talking about! No games or bs, his approach to my situation even though I knew it was probably way smaller then what he normally takes on, he was extremely helpful and didn't care about the size of the matter like other attorneys do. He really looked out for my best interests. You can tell he has decades of experience doing what he does just by chatting with him. I would highly recommend him.
  • Avatar S A ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Words can’t describe how grateful I am for working with John, he went above and beyond my expectation. I was wrongly accused and hired many lawyers before hiring John Floyd but they … More all disappointed me, I had lost hope until a friend of mine referred me to John. From the start he had my best interest in mind and gave helpful advice, he explained the process and guided me. He put more work and time than all my previous lawyers that cost me thousands of dollars. He was constantly communicating with court and defended me more than all lawyer i had hired before him. Don’t waste your time and money like I did, believe me when I say I hired countless lawyers before him and no one came close to John. I’m forever thankful for him for fighting for my innocence and getting my case dismissed. Thank you so much🙏🏼🙏🏼
  • Avatar Gary Watch ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I called Mr Floyd and left a message, with in the hour I received a call back with much more information then I could have ever expected. Mr Floyd was very informative on every question … More I had for him. He seemed like he cared, instead of like most attorneys that you talk to that are just out for a quick buck. If you want someone that is going to shoot strait with you, and has your best interest in hand, this is you guy. This was the best experience that I have ever had with an lawyer.
  • Avatar Saman Daftarian ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I can state with confidence that Mr. Floyd and his team are the most competent and professional lawyers one can hope for. My case was quite complex and I admit that as a law student … More I was not the most patient client. Mr. Floyd did a phenomenal job of managing the bench, prosecution and myself! The result was above expectation, and I will never hesitate to recommend this firm regardless of the caliber of the case at issue.
  • Avatar calvin robinson ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    It was a pleasure working with Mr. Floyd. I contacted him regarding a legal matter and he was extremely knowledgeable about the law, and responded in a timely manner. I appreciated … More the fact I did not feel rushed, and he made sure he thoroughly answered all questions I had. I would highly recommend him!Positive
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  • Avatar Alan Howk ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Spoke with John Floyd about a 45 year old criminal case I was involved in. I had very little information about the case and John helped me search what records were available and gave … More me guidance to find more information. He was very professional and took his time helping me. I may need to hire a lawyer on this case and Mr. Floyd will be the man.Thanks John.
  • Avatar CMCustom Cycles ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Very professional and straight forward. He's not going to waste your time or money. Very knowledgeable in a large range of possible matters one could face living in these days … More and times. If ever you need legal assistance, this is who I would suggest. Awesome!Positive
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  • Avatar Greg Page ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    I called about some legal questions I needed to get clarified and John was able to give me clarification and sound advice. I will definitely contact John for all future legal questions … More and issues.Thank you John!Positive
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  • Avatar Kristen Rankin ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Knows his stuff and well respected with DA and judges. I have referred him a couple times and every client has been satisfied
  • Avatar Kedar Puranik ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    John is beyond knowledgeable! If I decide to pursue my case any further I would only have him represent me.
  • Avatar Joseph Sivadon ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    What a great attorney, this guy really took time out of his day to answer my questions and explain my case to me. Very grateful, thank you so muchPositive
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  • Avatar Lex Strider ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Absolutely a very professional lawyer. Very well read in the current law and more than willing to help if needed.
  • Avatar karim khalifa ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Mr. John he’s a professional he knows what he’s doing and he’s patient they recommend Him stronglyPositive
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  • Avatar James Haggard ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Great service, very knowledgable and happy to help with any questions I had
  • Avatar David Sustaita ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Quick to action and helpful and knowledgeable with entertainment industry based issues!
  • Avatar Chad Groves ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Responded on a holiday week. Very knowledgeable and reassuring.
  • Avatar Mark Fein ★★★★★ 4 years ago
    Very professional
  • Avatar Bthomason903 Bthomason903 ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Anton Jasser ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Alma Garza ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  • Avatar Victory 2020 ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    I want to thank John T. Floyd and all of his team. He is the best lawyer who cares aboutHis clients and fights really hard to get the best outcome. He is a fighter and he is awesome!!!I … More recommend if any one needs criminal defense , he is the BEST. We had a really serious caseAnd we are very thankful for the outcome. Thank you John!!!!! God bless you!!!!!!
  • Avatar Alma Garcia Cunningham ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    The attorneys at John T. Floyd Law Firm work diligently to achieve the best possible results for their clients. They are caring and knowledgeable professionals. Their expertise in the … More law and their experience as trial attorneys makes them the right choice as a defense attorney. I recommend this law firm highly.
  • Avatar Rajiv Patel ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    From beginning to end this firm handled my case like the top tier professionals they are. I would not trust ANYONE else with my legal needs after having less than stellar experiences … More with other teams. Thank you Floyd!!!
  • Avatar Jose Tapia ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    I really felt like the team cared about my case and am super satisfied with the outcome. Would not recommend anyone else!
  • Avatar Sagar Patel ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    These guys do amazing work and have phenomenal service! Hands down best in the Houston area!!
  • Avatar RAYNINN ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    John and Chris are true professionals! Love those guys like family!
  • Avatar Virginia Martin ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    Mr. Floyd and his team are very knowledgeable, informative, and helpful.
  • Avatar Darla Latham ★★★★★ 6 years ago
    A team you can depend on to stand up and fight for you to prove the truth the whole truth!
  • Avatar Veronica Elorza ★★★★★ 6 years ago
  • Avatar Karetta Lux ★★★★★ 7 years ago
    Mr. John T. Floyd represented me.I couldn't be happier with the outcome he managed to achieve on an VERY Important case that was dismissed the day of Trial. He is patient & … More very knowledgeable of the legal system. I HIGHLY recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer!John, I am forever grateful & satisfied with the effort you put forth & all you did for me. Thank you isn't enough!God bless you & your family!
  • Avatar GM ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    The John T. Floyd Law Firm assisted me, and I can tell you that the attorney took the time to answer my questions, and I didn't feel rushed or dismissed as I have experienced in … More the past with attorneys. The attorney was very nice and extremely knowledgeable. Initial impressions and continued excellent customer service are big factors for me and as such I would highly recommend this firm.
  • Avatar Sandra Bivens ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    I thank you for your efforts to help Felons regain their Civil rights, and for the information on possession , I am A convicted Felon, no violent history. I am an expert shot, I am … More 76 yoa, and very concerned about the present lake of Security in our State and Country. God Bless and Prosper you in your efforts, Your friend, Sonny Bivens
  • Avatar Mike Kittelson ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    I really appreciated both Chris and John helping with my legal questions and concerns. Both are good guys and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
  • Avatar Robert Hair ★★★★★ 8 years ago
    Extremely helpful!!! Helping me understand the law.

John T. Floyd is Board Certified in Criminal Law By the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

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