Rule 4-204.3. Answer to Notice of Investigation Required

(a) The respondent shall file a written response under oath to the Notice of Investigation with the panel member assigned to investigate the grievance within thirty (30) days of service.

(b) The written response must address specifically all of the issues set forth in the Notice of Investigation.

(c) The panel member assigned to investigate the grievance may in the panel member's discretion grant extensions of time for respondent's answer.Any request for extension of time must be made in writing on or before the date on which the response was due and the grant of an extension of time must also be in writing. Extensions of time shall be reasonable in length and should not be routinely granted.

(d) In cases where the maximum sanction is disbarment or suspension, failure to respond by the respondent may authorize the Investigative Panel or subcommittee of the Panel to suspend the respondent until a response is filed.

(1) The determination that an adequate response has  been filed is within the discretion of the Investigative Panel or subcommittee of the Panel.

(2) When the Investigative Panel or subcommittee of the Panel determines that a respondent has failed to respond in accordance with the rules of the  Panel and that the respondent should be suspended, the Office of the General Counsel shall notify the Supreme Court of Georgia that the Panel has made such a recommendation. The Supreme Court  shall enter an appropriate Order.

(3) When the Investigative Panel or subcommittee of the Panel determines that a respondent who has been suspended for failure to respond in accordance  with the rules of the Panel has filed an appropriate response and should be reinstated, the Office of the General Counsel shall notify the Supreme Court of Georgia that the Panel has made such a  recommendation. The Supreme Court shall enter an appropriate Order.