(a) When the opportunity to do so is offered by the Tribunal, a Respondent may contest a violation by written communication, including by postal mail, written online communication, or by other similar remote means, as permitted by the Tribunal.
(b) Adjudication by Mail.
(1) A written submission in an adjudication by mail must be received by the Tribunal before the scheduled hearing date or bear a postmark or other proof of mailing indicating that it was mailed to the Tribunal before the scheduled hearing date. If a request bearing such a postmark or proof of mailing is received by the Tribunal after a first default decision has been issued on that summons, such default will be vacated.
(2) The written submission must contain any denials, admissions and explanations related to the individual violations charged, and documents, exhibits or witness statements, if any, to be considered as evidence in support of Respondent's defense. Violations that are not denied or explained will be deemed to have been admitted; defenses not specifically raised will be deemed to have been waived.
(3) After a review by a Hearing Officer of the written submission, the Tribunal will:
(i) issue a written decision and send the decision to the parties; or
(ii) require the submission of additional documentary evidence; or
(iii) require an in-person hearing or hearing by telephone, in which case the parties will be notified.
(c) Adjudication Online.
(1) Submissions in an adjudication online must be received by the Tribunal before or on the scheduled hearing date.
(2) The submission must contain any denials, admissions and explanations related to the individual violations charged, and documents, exhibits or witness statements, if any, to be considered as evidence in support of Respondent's defense. Violations that are not denied or explained will be deemed to have been admitted; defenses not specifically raised will be deemed to have been waived.
(3) After a review by a Hearing Officer of the submission, the Tribunal will:
(i) issue a written decision and send the decision to the parties; or
(ii) require the submission of additional documentary evidence; or
(iii) require an in-person hearing or hearing by telephone, in which case the parties will be notified.
(Amended City Record 6/1/2015, eff. 7/1/2015; amended City Record 7/8/2016, eff. 8/7/2016; amended City Record 10/13/2021, eff. 10/13/2021)