§ 16.7 Complaint.

(a) On or after the date the Attorney General or his designee 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 § 16.8.

(b) The complaint shall 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 such 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 an attorney;

(4) That the defendant has a right to review and obtain certain information pursuant to Section 16.20 herein; and

(5) 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.

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