At OAH, our goal is to provide fair hearings to all persons. We are open to hearing from persons who participate in administrative hearings to ensure that our process is inclusive and that every participant is treated fairly.
Comments and complaints are important to maintaining and improving the hearing process. Any individual or group may file a comment or complaint. Your comment or complaint should be made in writing. Simply write a letter to Chief Administrative Law Judge Raymond R. Krause specifically describing the aspect of the hearing or the judge's conduct that is reason for your comment. Be sure to include the name of the judge, relevant dates, names of witnesses, and sources of information. In the case of complaints, you may wish to attach copies (do not send originals) of court documents or transcripts if these support your allegations against the judge. Complaints will not be accepted by e-mail.
If you have questions concerning the filing of a complaint, call Chief Administrative Law Judge Raymond R. Krause at (651) 361-7900.
The Complaint Form is available here.
Note: the form must be printed and mailed to the Office of Administrative Hearings. Complaints by e-mail are not accepted.
Questions on the Complaint Process
WHO MAY FILE A COMPLAINT ON A JUDGE EMPLOYED WITH THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS?
Any individual may file a complaint alleging wrongdoing or misconduct of a judge that he/she wishes to have investigated by the Chief Administrative Law Judge.HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT?
You may call the Office of Administrative Hearings at (651) 361-7900 to obtain a Complaint Form. This form can be completed and mailed or FAXed to the address on this letterhead. Be sure to answer all the questions. You will want to attach any copies of documents that will support your complaint.IF I DON'T LIKE THE ORDER, CAN I FILE A COMPLAINT?
No, you must take the next step by appealing to the appropriate court. For further information on the appeal process, call (651) 361-7900.WHAT WILL HAPPEN ONCE MY COMPLAINT FORM IS RECEIVED BY THE MINNESOTA OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS?
The Chief Administrative Law Judge will promptly investigate and take disciplinary action if the judge is found guilty of a serious misconduct. It may mean just a warning if the misconduct is found to be a lesser offense. You will receive notification of the action taken, whatever it may be.
If you need advice or assistance regarding what to do next about your case, you should talk to a lawyer. THE ACCOMPANYING FORM IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR AN ATTORNEY'S ADVICE.Will the judge find out about my complaint?
Usually, yes. The Chief Administrative Law Judge will speak to the judge if the misconduct is serious enough.Will filing the complaint change my order?
No, there are other ways to change your order if you are dissatisfied with it.Will the complaint automatically remove the judge from any future cases I may have.
There must be just cause to remove a judge in administrative hearings.Does the Chief Administrative Law Judge review all complaints?
Yes, the Chief Administrative Law Judge will review every complaint and will notify you of the action taken, if any.
TYPES OF MISCONDUCT THAT MAY LEAD TO DISCIPLINE:
Last Updated - February 18, 2010