The identity of the person making the complaint is not given to the judge without the consent of the complainant. It may be necessary for a complainant to testify in the event of a hearing. When the matter has been concluded by the Commission, the complainant will be personally contacted by a member of the Commission staff. If a complaint falls within the jurisdiction of the Commission, the complainant is notified and the complaint is thoroughly investigated by the Commission staff. If the complaint is outside of the Commission's authority, the complainant will be so informed.
All investigations are confidential.
Following the investigation, the Commission may consider the complaint informally or it may conduct a formal hearing. If the Commission determines there has not been an ethical violation, the complaint will be dismissed. If there has been a violation, the Commission may summon the judge and advise the judge of its findings. Charges that are sufficient to require the retirement, censure or removal of the judge may be filed by the Commission in the Supreme Court of Virginia. The Commission may conclude the complaint after counseling with the judge.