Rule 161 Informal Hearing

At the request of the Chief Justice, a district court judge shall conduct an informal hearing. Strict rules of evidence do not apply. Unless the right to be heard has been waived, the member is entitled to an opportunity to be heard during the hearing, in person and by counsel. If the District Court Judge determines that reasonable cause does not exist for further proceedings, the District Court Judge shall terminate the matter, with a brief written statement of reasons. The Chief Justice, the member and the complainant shall be informed of such action. The District Court Judge may institute further investigation and subsequent informal hearings, or may recommend to the hearing panel consensual discipline or refer the complaint to the hearing panel for the institution of formal proceedings.