§142.21. How will the hearing be conducted and who has the burden of proof?

The ALJ conducts a hearing in order to determine whether a defendant is liable for a civil penalty, assessment, or both and, if so, the appropriate amount of the civil penalty and/or assessment. The hearing will be recorded and transcribed, and the transcript of testimony, exhibits admitted at the hearing, and all papers and requests filed in the proceeding constitute the record for a decision by the ALJ.

SBA must prove a defendant's liability and any aggravating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.

A defendant must prove any affirmative defenses and any mitigating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.

The hearing will be open to the public unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ for good cause shown.