You will not have another chance to present your side of the case after the administrative order becomes final, so taking advantage of your opportunity to appear and tell your story at the hearing is usually advisable. If a sign or language interpreter is needed, the party needing such an interpreter should immediately notify the agency so that the judge can arrange for a qualified interpreter in advance of the hearing. Bringing a friend or relative to interpret is not sufficient unless all parties agree to that person acting as an interpreter. The Finance Commission agencies comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. People who need special arrangements should notify agency staff sufficiently ahead of the hearing date so that any necessary and appropriate special arrangements can be made.
Cases often settle without going to hearing.
A party who thinks this might be to their advantage should contact the agency attorney and any opposing parties to see if a settlement agreement can be worked out. First, make sure you have carefully read all of the other documents sent to you by the agency or sent to you by any other parties to the case. Those documents should explain fully the issues involved or the charges brought against you, what deadlines you must meet, and what rights you have. If either you or your attorney have further questions after carefully reading all of this information, call the agency and explain your questions or the assistance you need. You may also write your questions to the judge with copies to all parties in the case, or you may set up a conference call between yourself, the judge, and the other parties to the case.