Rule 2:15-12. Institution of Formal Proceedings Before the Committee

(a) Whenever the Committee concludes from its preliminary investigation that probable cause exists for the imposition of public discipline, the Committee shall issue a formal complaint and shall serve it on the judge.

(b) The formal complaint shall issue over the signature of the Secretary to the Committee and shall give notice to the judge of the specific nature of the charges and of such facts as are then known to the Committee on which the charges are based.

(c) Within twenty days of service of the formal complaint on the judge, the judge shall file an answer to the charges with the Committee at its principal office. For good cause, the Committee may extend the time within which the judge may file an answer.

(d) After receiving the judge's answer or after the expiration of the time within which an answer is due, the Committee shall schedule a formal hearing and shall immediately notify the judge of the time and place at which the hearing will be held.