A person is subject to the contempt sanction for any of the following in an adjudicative proceeding before an agency:
(a) Disobedience of or resistance to a lawful order.
(b) Refusal to take the oath or affirmation as a witness or thereafter refusal to be examined.
(c) Obstruction or interruption of the due course of the proceeding during a hearing or near the place of the hearing by any of the following:
(1) Disorderly, contemptuous, or insolent behavior toward the presiding officer while conducting the proceeding.
(2) Breach of the peace, boisterous conduct, or violent disturbance.
(3) Other unlawful interference with the process or proceedings of the agency.
(d) Violation of the prohibition of ex parte communications under Article 7 (commencing with Section 11430.10).
(e) Failure or refusal, without substantial justification, to comply with a deposition order, discovery request, subpoena, or other order of the presiding officer, or moving, without substantial justification, to compel discovery.
(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 938, Sec. 21. Effective January 1, 1996. Operative July 1, 1997, by Sec. 98 of Ch. 938 and Section 11400.10.)