§ 21-12-203 - Initiation of proceedings. - Arkansas Statutes

21-12-203. Initiation of proceedings.

(a) When articles of impeachment have been approved by the House of Representatives and impeachment ordered, a committee shall be appointed to prosecute the impeachment, whose chair, within five (5) days, shall bring the same before the Senate.

(b) The Senate shall appoint a day for hearing the impeachment.

(c) (1) The accused shall be summoned by a precept issued by the Secretary of State to appear on that day.

(2) The precept shall be served by delivering a copy of the precept and of the articles of impeachment to the accused in person, if to be found, or by leaving the copies at his or her residence with some member of his or her family over sixteen (16) years of age.

(d) (1) Upon the appearance of the accused, he or she shall have reasonable time to answer the impeachment, and when the answer shall be filed, the committee may reply thereto.

(2) When issue shall be joined on any such impeachment, the Senate shall appoint a time for the trial.

(e) If the accused shall not appear after being notified, or after appearing shall fail to answer, the Senate may proceed ex parte.