Formal Complaints 



If amicable settlement cannot be arranged, 

 and it appears that the facts warrant such 

 action, the party claiming injury is given an 

 opportunity to file a formal complaint. When the 

 amount involved is over $1,500 either party 

 can request an oral hearing for the presentation 

 of evidence. These hearings are handled some- 

 what like court proceedings. Cases involving 

 smaller amounts are handled without an oral 

 hearing under a shortened procedure in which 

 the parties submit their evidence in writing. 



At the conclusion of the proceedings, the 

 Department will decide the case, which may 

 involve the issuance of a reparation award. If 

 the award is not paid or appealed by the re- 

 spondent within the time specified in the order, 

 his license is suspended automatically. When 

 the license of a firm is suspended, the facts in 

 the case are released to the press. A person 

 who fails to pay or appeal a reparation order 

 cannot continue in business and cannot be 

 employed by another licensee without USDA 

 approval. Therefore, such awards are usually 

 more effective than a judgment obtained through 

 court action. , 



Appeals From Reparation Awards 



A person against whom a reparation order 

 is issued may, within 30 days from the date of 

 such order, file an appeal in a U.S. District 

 Court. Also, if a reparation award is not paid, 

 the person entitled to payment may file suit in 

 court to reduce the award to a judgment. 



