(f) If the investigation does not disclose sufficient cause to warrant further

proceedings, the case shall be dismissed. In such event, the complainant shall be notified that the case is closed. (g) If after investigation, the investigatory panel finds reasonable cause to support a finding that the judge engaged in judicial misconduct, criminal misconduct, civil misconduct, or that the judge has a disability, and before referral to an adjudicatory panel, the investigatory panel may issue a letter of correction, enter a deferred disciplinary agreement, issue a stipulated private censure, or formal proceedings may be instituted and the matter will be referred to the adjudicatory panel. (h) After referral to the adjudicatory panel, the investigatory panel may recommend a negotiated settlement, including the judge’s voluntary retire- ment in lieu of discipline, to the full Commission, exclusive of members of the adjudicatory panel and members who have recused. In the event the full Commission rejects a settlement proposal the matter shall proceed to final adjudication as provided in these rules. A judge who proposes or agrees to a settlement proposal waives any complaint that consideration of settlement compromises the Commission or any of its members in any further proceed- ings. (i) The investigatory panel shall maintain records and files in accordance with these rules and transmit the Notice of Commencement of Proceedings to the adjudicatory panel for formal proceedings as appropriate. History: Amended November 6, 2012, effective Janu- ary 1, 2013; amended January 8, 2014, effective April 1, 2014; amended January 24, 2020, ef- fective April 1, 2020.