(a) Any applicant 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 applicant 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 applicant. 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 applicant.

(b) Should the applicant 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.