<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".13" citation="COMAR 12.03.01.13" title_num="12" subtitle_num="03" chapter_num="01" heading="Disciplinary Proceeding Procedures — Inmate Waiver of Appearance.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>If a defendant elects not to appear before the hearing officer or to participate in the disciplinary proceeding, the defendant is considered to waive:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The defendant’s preliminary review;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The opportunity to claim a denial of a due process right or claim a violation of a time or procedure requirement applicable to this chapter pursuant to statute, law, or policy;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The ability to attend and participate in all stages of the disciplinary proceeding under the inmate disciplinary process;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The opportunity to make a case presentation and present evidence;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The opportunity to make a presentation regarding appropriate sanctions, if applicable;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>The post-disciplinary procedures under this chapter; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Any and all rights, claims, or procedures normally available to the defendant under the authority of a statute, law, policy, or procedure applicable to the inmate disciplinary process.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The hearing officer may determine that the defendant waived an appearance before the hearing officer and participation in the disciplinary proceeding if the defendant:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Submits a Waiver of Appearance form or written statement informing the hearing officer of the defendant’s decision not to appear or participate;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Poses a threat to the security of the facility or the safety of an inmate, staff, or an individual;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Delays appearance before the hearing officer or willfully delays reporting to the location of the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Refuses to obey instructions or resists or interferes with the duties of staff prior to an appearance before the hearing officer or after reporting to the location of the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Violates security procedures for the escort of the defendant to or at the location of the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Elects to depart voluntarily from the location of the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary proceeding;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Becomes disruptive prior to the appearance before the hearing officer or after arriving at the location of the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Exhibits conduct that poses a threat to the security of the facility or location of the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding; or the safety of an inmate, staff, or an individual; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>Requires removal from the location of the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding at the direction of the hearing officer or staff.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If a defendant elects not to appear before the hearing officer, elects not to participate in the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding, or is removed or not permitted to participate in the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding, the hearing officer shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Continue with the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding in the absence of the defendant; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Render a disposition for each inmate rule violation charged.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>When determining that the defendant’s right to participate in the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding is voluntarily or involuntarily waived by the defendant, the hearing officer may accept:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A Waiver of Appearance form or a written statement signed by:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The defendant or staff having direct knowledge of the defendant’s decision not to appear before the hearing officer or to participate in the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Staff having direct knowledge of the defendant’s conduct that supports a determination that the defendant has involuntarily waived the defendant’s right to appear before the hearing officer or to participate in the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding; or</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Sworn testimony from staff having direct knowledge of the defendant’s:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Decision not to appear before the hearing officer or to participate in the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Conduct that supports a determination that the defendant has involuntarily waived the defendant’s right to appear before the hearing officer or to participate in the defendant’s disciplinary proceeding; or</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Statements made by the defendant in the hearing officer’s presence or observations of the defendant’s conduct made by the hearing officer.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>