7 CFR 1.307 – Complaint
(a) On or after the date the Department of Justice approves the issuance of a complaint in accordance with 31 U.S.C. § 3803(b)(1), the reviewing official may serve a complaint on the respondent, as provided in § 1.308 of this part.
Terms Used In 7 CFR 1.307
- Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
- Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
(b) The complaint shall state—
(1) The allegations of liability, including the statutory basis for liability, an identification of the claims or statements that are the basis for the alleged liability, and the reasons that liability allegedly arises from such claims or statements;
(2) The maximum amount of penalties and assessments for which the respondent may be held liable;
(3) Instructions for requesting a hearing, including a specific advice of the respondent’s right to request a hearing and to be represented by a representative; and
(4) That failure to file an answer within 30 days of service of the complaint may result in the imposition of the penalty and assessment sought in the complaint without right to appeal.
(c) At the same time the reviewing official serves the complaint, he or she shall serve the respondent with a copy of these regulations.