r1r STANDING COMMITTEE ON RULES OF PRACTICE - Maryland ...

Upon receiving information from any source indicating that
a judge may have a disability or may have committed sanctionable
conduct, Investigative Counsel may open a file and make an
inquiry. An inquiry may include obtaining additional information
from the complainant and any potential witnesses, reviewing
public records, obtaining transcripts of court proceedings, and
communicating informally with the judge. Following the inquiry,
Investigative Counsel shall (1) close the file and dismiss any
complaint in conformity with section (b) (c) of this Rule or (2)
proceed as if a formal complaint had been filed and undertake a
preliminary investigation in accordance with section (d) (e) of
this Rule.
Committee note: An inquiry may include obtaining additional
information from the complainant, reviewing public records,
obtaining transcripts of court proceedings, and communicating
informally with the judge.
(e) Preliminary Investigation
(1) If a complaint is not dismissed in accordance with
section (c) or (d) of this Rule, Investigative Counsel shall
conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether there
are reasonable grounds to believe that the judge may have a
disability or may have committed sanctionable conduct.
Investigative Counsel shall promptly inform the Board or
Commission that the preliminary investigation is being
undertaken.
(2) Upon application by Investigative Counsel and for good
cause, the Chair of the Commission may authorize Investigative
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