of testimony from an expert witness regarding conditions which a disposition committee of the Colorado State Hospital recommended to be imposed on the defendant in order to eliminate any potential danger incident to his release. In the court of appeals' view, such evidence was irrelevant as a matter of law. We reverse the judgment of the court of appeals and remand the case for a new release hearing.

I.
The defendant was found not guilty by reason of insanity on the charge of aggravated robbery and was committed to the department of institutions on March 11, 1980, until such time as he might be found eligible for release. Upon his commitment, the defendant was placed in the state hospital for psychiatric care and treatment. Approximately one year later, the defendantfiled a request for a release hearing pursuant to section 16-8-115(1), 8A C.R.S. (1986), and for the appointment of an attorney to represent him in the release proceeding.
*1092 The court appointed the public defender's office to represent the defendant.
In early 1982, prior to the release hearing, the defendant was evaluated by the disposition committee of the state hospital. This committee, which consists of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and other professionals who work in the hospital's department of forensic psychiatry, makes recommendations to the hospital superintendent regarding the feasibility of releasing persons committed to the hospital as a result of judicial proceedings. The disposition committee recommended to the superintendent that the defendant be released, but the superintendent disagreed with the recommendation.
On August 8, 1982, a jury trial was held