Frequently Asked
Questions
What is a Hearing Officer?
A Hearing Officer acts as a judge would in a courtroom
hearing--except in this
case, the
atmosphere is much less formal. The Hearing Officer is
present not only to
decide the outcome of
the hearing, but also to ensure that all parties receive a
fair chance to
present their
cases. They will answer any questions you have about the
hearing process and
will also
question the parties and witnesses as they give their
testimony. About ten
days after the
hearing ends, parties will receive the Hearing Officer's
written decision by
U.S.
Mail. This decision will either affirm, modify, or set
aside the Deputy's
Decision that is the basis of the appeal.
The Maine Department of Labor's Division of Administrative
Hearings has seven
Hearing
Officers and a Chief Administrative Hearing Officer. These
Hearing Officers
conduct telephone hearings and travel around the state to
the various hearing sites.
