The chief attorney may recommend to the committee that disciplinary proceedings be commenced in the Appellate Division asserting charges of professional misconduct against a respondent when there is probable cause to believe that the respondent has committed professional misconduct within the meaning of section 1240.2 of this Title. The chief attorney shall present the matter to the committee along with a written recommendation setting forth an outline of proposed charges and citing any rule or other standard that forms the basis thereof, a copy of which shall be provided to the respondent. The respondent shall have the right to appear before the committee. and to be heard in response to the recommendation of the chief attorney. After the respondent has been afforded an opportunity to be heard, the committee may vote to authorize charges of misconduct against the respondent, pursuant to section 1240.7(d)(2)(vi) of this Title.