(a) Any registrant who intends to avail himself of the opportunity to be heard, shall personally appear on the date set forth in the notice of hearing or any adjourned date and shall be prepared to proceed. Any registrant may be represented at the hearing by an attorney. Such attorney shall notify the Attorney General in writing of his appearance on behalf of the registrant. Thereafter, all further notices, orders and communications from the Department of Law may be served upon such attorney and such service shall be deemed to be service upon the registrant.

(b) Should the registrant fail to appear at the hearing or, having appeared, fail to make his defense, the hearing officer shall hear the evidence given by the Attorney General and shall make his findings and recommendations on the basis of the aforesaid evidence.