All of the ALJs for the Executive Hearing Office are licensed attorneys with the Arizona State Bar. They are employed by the Arizona Department of Transportation but exercise independent judgment, free from pressures by the parties or other individuals within the agency. The duties and responsibilities are generally comparable to those of the judge in a trial court. Phillips v. Clancy, 152 Ariz. 415 (1986).
The ALJ is responsible for making sure that you have a fair, impartial, and independent opportunity to be heard when the agency has taken some action against you. The ALJ will make the final decision in your case after hearing all of the evidence. The decision will be in writing, setting forth separate findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a final decision and order.