Calderon
People v. Calderon
Opinion
Opinion
Woods, J.
Appellant Raymond Calderon timely appealed from an order of the trial court finding him to be a sexually violent predator (SVP) and committing him to the custody of the State Department of Mental Health (DMH) for two years pursuant to the Sexually Violent Predators Act (SVPA). (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 6600 et seq.) We affirm.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
On November 20, 1998, the Los Angeles County District Attorney filed a petition for civil commitment of appellant pursuant to the SVPA. The petition alleged appellant met the criteria as an SVP within the meaning of section 6600, subdivision (a): (1) he had two convictions for rape by force occurring on December 7 and 8, 1981; (2) he currently had a diagnosed mental disorder; and (3) he posed a danger to the health and safety of others.
Appellant demanded a jury trial during which the jury’s sole task was to determine whether appellant was an SVP. At trial, five expert witnesses testified, two on behalf of the People and three on behalf of appellant.
I. People’s Case-in-chief
A. Dr Steen’s Testimony
Dr. Charlene Steen, a psychologist, evaluated appellant and concluded he was an SVP. During the interview, she…