What is the effect of a probable cause determination?
If requested by the alleged violator, a public hearing will be scheduled. The full Commission on Ethics is impaneled to hear the case. The hearing is scheduled no later than sixty days after the probable cause determination. An attorney will present the case on behalf of the Commission, the alleged violated most likely will hire legal counsel, witnesses will testify, evidence will be introduced and the Ethics Commission will render a ruling. If a violation is found, penalties can be imposed against the violator.
