How To Act In Front of A Code Enforcement Hearing Officer
December 13, 2011 Leave a comment
By Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law.
Many cities in California have shifted away from hearing boards for administrative hearings and hired hearing officers to hear appeals of administrative citations, administrative actions, and administrative civil penalties. Here are some general, common sense rules to follow when appearing before a hearing officer.
1. Be prepared. Bring all the relevant information, including current photographs, and any witnesses on your behalf. Draft an outline of remarks before the hearing.
2. Be respectful. There’s no point in being bombastic. When I was a Deputy City Attorney for the City of San Bernardino, I had the occasion to observe hundreds of hearings in front of a few different hearing officers. One well-known unlawful detainer attorney argued his way into a higher fine for his client.
3. If you are challenging any aspect of the hearing, make a record. Submit any objections to the process or hearing officer in writing.
4. As a corollary to be prepared, show up early, watch how the hearing is conducted, and obtain any rules adopted by the hearing officer or City in advance.
The information you obtain at this blog is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established by reading or commenting on this blog. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
About Michael Reiter, Attorney at Law
Michael Reiter, Municipal Attorney. Partner with Cole Huber, LLP in Ontario, Roseville California 