If a Department of State complaint goes to a hearing, which official presides?

• A. Hearing Officer
• B. Court Commissioner
• C. Administrative Law Judge
• D. Deputy Clerk

Answer: (C)

Administrative hearings within state agencies are conducted by an Administrative Law Judge. The ALJ acts as a neutral decision-maker trained in hearing procedures, able to hear testimony, evaluate evidence, and issue a recommended or final decision to the agency. This structure ensures due process and impartial handling of the complaint.

A Hearing Officer might oversee certain internal processes in some agencies, but for a Department of State complaint that proceeds to a formal hearing, the presiding official is the Administrative Law Judge. A Court Commissioner belongs to the judicial system and handles court matters, not agency hearings. A Deputy Clerk is a staff member handling paperwork and administrative tasks, not the one who presides over hearings.