(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 defendant, as provided in § 33.8.

Terms Used In 34 CFR 33.7

  • 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.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • statement: means anything of value, including but no limited to any advantage, preference, privilege, license, permit, favorable decision, ruling, status, or loan guarantee. See 34 CFR 33.2

(b) The complaint must state:

(1) The allegations of liability against the defendant, including the statutory basis for liability, an identification of the claims or statements that are the basis for the alleged liability, and the reasons why liability allegedly arises from those claims or statements;

(2) The maximum amount of penalties and assessments for which the defendant may be held liable;

(3) Instructions for filing an answer to request a hearing, including a specific statement of the defendant’s right to request a hearing by filing an answer and to be represented by a representative; and

(4) That failure to file an answer within 30 days of service of the complaint will result in the imposition of the maximum amount of penalties and assessments without right to appeal, as provided in § 33.10.

(c) At the same time the reviewing official serves the complaint, he or she shall serve the defendant with a copy of the regulations in this part.

(Authority: 31 U.S.C. § 3803(a))