2006 Code of Virginia § 55-79.99 - Investigations and proceedings

55-79.99. Investigations and proceedings.

A. Whenever the agency receives a written complaint which appears to state avalid claim, the agency shall make necessary public or private investigationsin accordance with law within or outside of this Commonwealth to determinewhether any declarant, its agents, employees or other representatives haveviolated or are about to violate this chapter or any rule or order hereunder,or to aid in the enforcement of this chapter or in the prescribing of rulesand forms hereunder. The agency may also in like manner and with likeauthority investigate written complaints against persons other than thedeclarant, its agents, employees or other representatives.

B. For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under this chapter, theagency or any officer designated by rule may administer oaths oraffirmations, and upon its own motion or upon request of any party shallsubpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require theproduction of any matter which is relevant to the investigation, includingthe existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of anybooks, documents, or other tangible things and the identity and location ofpersons having knowledge of relevant facts or any other matter reasonablycalculated to lead to the discovery of material evidence.

C. Upon failure to obey a subpoena or to answer questions propounded by theinvestigating officer and upon reasonable notice to all persons affectedthereby, the agency may apply to the Circuit Court of the City of Richmondfor an order compelling compliance.

(1974, c. 416; 1993, c. 198.)