Opinion ID: 2515588
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Timeframe for Issuance of Opinion

Text: Fisher argues the Hearing Board lost jurisdiction over the matter because it issued the Opinion and Order Imposing Sanctions 96 days after the hearing. This is a matter of law which we review de novo. C.R.C.P. 251.19 provides that within sixty days after the hearing the Hearing Board shall prepare an order setting forth its findings of facts and its decision. However, nothing in this rule, or any other rule, states the Hearing Board loses jurisdiction to rule on a matter if the opinion is not issued within sixty days after the hearing. In light of C.R.C.P. 1(a), which states the Rules of Civil Procedure shall be liberally construed to secure the just, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action, we hold the failure to issue a decision within 60 days does not result in the Hearing Board losing jurisdiction over the matter. We do not suggest there should never be consequences for the Hearing Board's failure to issue a timely decision, however we find the 60 day time period to be largely aspirational. In determining whether consequences should result if the Board fails to render a timely decision, we will consider the extent of the delay, the reasons for the delay, and any prejudice that occurred as a result of the delay. Here, while the decision was issued 96 days after the hearing, Fisher can point to no prejudice that occurred as a result of the delay. The Hearing Board did not state the reasons for the delay, but we note this was a case involving numerous charges and a significant amount of evidence. Because Fisher was not prejudiced in any way, and Fisher's proposed remedy of remanding the case and trying the matter anew would merely prolong the case at significant cost for all parties, we decline to impose any consequences for the Board's failure to issue the opinion within 60 days. Accordingly, we find no action is required for this minor violation of the 60 day requirement; however, the Hearing Board shall make every attempt to comply with this timeframe in the future.