3502.1 Notice of an informal hearing shall be issued in writing at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing.

3502.2 In the notice, the requester shall be informed of the following:

(a) The authority upon which the hearing is based;

(b) Time and place of the hearing;

(c) The right to be represented by legal counsel; and

(d) The requester's failure to appear may result in a dismissal of the matter.

3502.3 The Director shall regulate the course of the informal hearing and the conduct of the parties and their counsel.

3502.4 The requester, or counsel for the requester, shall present the requester's case and evidence to the Director.

3502.5 The Director may wait a reasonable period of time for the requester to appear before beginning the informal hearing.

3502.6 If the requester fails to appear after a reasonable period of time, pursuant to § 3502.5, the Director shall perform the following:

(a) Reschedule the informal hearing;

(b) Issue notice, under § 3502.2; and

(c) Serve the alleged violator both by certified and regular mail.

3502.7 If the requester fails to appear after an informal hearing has been rescheduled, pursuant to § 3502.6, the Director may proceed with the informal hearing; provided, that the requester has received notice.

3502.8 Following the conduct of each informal hearing, the Director shall issue a written order with findings of facts and conclusions of law.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 45 D.C. Reg. 3161, 3199-00 (May 22, 1998).