04 040113 HA ADMINPLAN EX 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The hearing officer is responsible to manage the order of business and to ensure that hearings are conducted in a professional and businesslike manner. Attendees are expected to comply with all hearing procedures established by the hearing officer and guidelines for conduct. Any person demonstrating disruptive, abusive or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be excused from the hearing at the discretion of the hearing officer. Evidence [24 CFR 982.555(e)(5)] SARA and the family must be given the opportunity to present evidence and question any witnesses. In general, all evidence is admissible at an informal hearing. Evidence maybe considered without regard to admissibility under the rules of evidence applicable to judicial procee mgs. Any evidence to be considered by the hearing officer must be presented at the time of the hearing. There are four categories of evidence. Oral evidence: the testimony of witnesses Documentary evidence: a writing which is relevant to the case, for example, a letter written to SARA. Writings include all forms of recorded communication or representation, including letters, words, pictures, sounds, videotapes or symbols or combinations thereof. Demonstrative evidence: Evidence created specifically for the hearing and presented as an illustrative aid to assist the hearing officer, such as a model, a chart or other diagram. Real evidence: A tangible item relating directly to the case. Hearsay Evidence is evidence of a statement that was made other than by a witness while testifying at the hearing and that is offered to prove the truth of the matter. Even though evidence, including hearsay, is generally admissible, hearsay evidence alone cannot be used as the sole basis for the hearing officer's decision. If either SARA or the family fail to comply with the discovery requirements described above, the hearing officer will refuse to admit such evidence. Other than the failure of a party to comply with discovery, the hearing officer has the authority to overrule any obj ections to evidence. Hearing Officer's Decision [24 CFR 982.555(e)(6)] The person who conducts the hearing must issue a written decision, stating briefly the reasons for the decision. Factual determinations relating to the individual circumstances of the family must be based on a preponderance of evidence presented at the hearing. A copy of the hearing must be furnished promptly to the family. In rendering a decision, the hearing officer will consider the following matters: SAHA Notice to the Family: The hearing officer will determine if the reasons for the PHA's decision are factually stated in the Notice. SAHA's Discovery: The hearing officer will determine if SARA and the family were given the opportunity to examine any relevant documents in accordance with SAHA policy. o~ro2~12 Page 16-12