8 Va. Admin. Code § 20-820-460

Current through Register Vol. 41, No. 8, December 2, 2024

Section 8VAC20-820-460 - Conduct of hearing

A. To initiate the proceedings, the hearing officer will call the hearing to order and make a brief statement giving the name of the proceeding, its case number, the names of all persons present and involved in the proceeding, and other appropriate introductory remarks such as the general rules of decorum and conduct. The parties shall be entitled to be accompanied by and represented by counsel. Before the formal presentation of evidence begins, the parties should be given an opportunity to bring up any preliminary matters or motions. If a hearing officer has questions or issues regarding the procedures in the hearing or his role in conducting the hearing, these questions shall be directed to the hearing coordinator. The parties at administrative hearings have the right to conduct cross-examination to obtain full and fair disclosure of the facts. The hearing officer will decide if the hearing will be open to the public.

B. The following shall be the order of proceedings at all hearings, subject to modification by the hearing officer before such hearing is commenced, for good cause:

1. Presentation, argument, and disposition of all preliminary matters and motions.

2. Presentation of opening statements. Such statements are not subject to cross-examination or an opportunity to present argumentative testimony.

3. Agency representative presents the case, calling witnesses in such order as is seen fit. Each witness should be subject to direct, cross, and redirect examination. Both the counsel for the adverse party and the hearing officer may direct questions to the witness.

4. The aggrieved party should present its case, using the same guidelines as established in subdivision 3 of this subsection.

5. Rebuttal evidence by the agency representative should be permitted.

6. At the close of the presentation of evidence, the parties may exercise their rights pursuant to §§ 2.2-4020 and 2.2-4021 of the Code of Virginia. The parties, on request, shall be given the opportunity for closing argument and may submit for the record, in writing, proposed findings and conclusions.

8 Va. Admin. Code § 20-820-460

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 24, eff. 7/1/2021.

Statutory Authority: §§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-289.046 of the Code of Virginia.