ALJDEC - Licensing
2024A-07496-CHC-ROC · Registrar of Contractors · 2025-09-15
IN THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
Al Patel,
COMPLAINANT,
v.
Sonoran Retractables LLC
License No. ROC 328973,
RESPONDENT
No. 2024A-07496-CHC-ROC
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DECISION
HEARING: September 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM.
APPEARANCES: No appearance(s) by or on behalf of Al Patel (“Complainant”). Shane LaLama appeared on behalf of Sonoran Retractables LLC (“Respondent”). John Smith appeared on behalf of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (“Registrar”).
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE: Jenna Clark.
EXHIBITS ADMITTED INTO EVIDENCE: N/A.
FINDINGS OF FACT
On June 20, 2025, the Registrar issued a Notice of Hearing on Contested Case (“Notice of Hearing”) setting the above-captioned matter for evidentiary hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings (“OAH”), an independent state agency located in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 28, 2025. The Notice of Hearing included the following advisement:
Google Meet. A link will be provided directly from The Office of Administrative Hearings. Go to www.azoah.com to request to appear in person.
(Emphasis in original.)
On June 27, 2025, the Tribunal issued a Hearing Order that provided the parties with videoconference and teleconference participation information. Correspondence was not returned as undeliverable to either party.
On July 17, 2025, Complainant submitted a Motion to Continue, which was granted by the Tribunal.
On July 24, 2025, the Tribunal issued an Order Granting Continuance which reset the above-captioned matter for continued hearing on September 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The Order included videoconference and teleconference participation information for the parties. Correspondence was not returned as undeliverable to either party.
At the time of the continued hearing on September 15, 2025, although afforded a ten (10) minute grace period, Complainant failed to appear. Consequently, the hearing was not convened, and no evidence was taken.
Complainant did not request to continue this matter or request to appear via alternative means.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
This matter lies within the Registrar’s jurisdiction. The matter was properly brought before OAH.
The burden of proof at an administrative hearing falls to the party asserting a claim, right, or entitlement, and the standard of proof on all issues in this matter is by a preponderance of the evidence.
If a party fails to appear at a hearing, the Administrative Law Judge may vacate the hearing and return the matter to the agency for any further action.
By failing to appear or timely request a continuance of hearing, the evidence supports a conclusion that Complainant abandoned the underlying complaint.
RECOMMENDED ORDER
In light of the foregoing,
IT IS RECOMMENDED that the Director of the Registrar dismiss Complaint No. 202-07496 without prejudice.
NOTICE
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-1092.08(I), the licensee may accept the Administrative Law Judge Decision by advising the Office of Administrative Hearings in writing not more than ten (10) days after receiving the decision. If the licensee accepts the Administrative Law Judge Decision, the decision shall be certified as the final decision by the Office of Administrative Hearings.
In the event of certification of the Administrative Law Judge Decision by the Director of the Office of Administrative Hearings, the effective date of the Order will be forty (40) days from the date of that certification.
Done this day, September 22, 2025.
Office of Administrative Hearings
/s/ Jenna Clark
Administrative Law Judge
Transmitted by either mail, e-mail, or facsimile to:
Tom Cole, Director
c/o Legal Department
Registrar of Contractors
1700 W. Washington St., Ste. 105
Phoenix, AZ 85007
[email redacted]
Al Patel, Complainat
11321 N. Twin Spur Ct.
Tucson, AZ 85737
[email redacted]
Sonoran Retractables LLC, Respondent
c/o Shane LaLama, Agent
7975 W Pima Farms Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85743
[email redacted]
By: OAH Staff