How do I ask the judge for more time?

Asked by: Ms. Kattie Eichmann II  |  Last update: October 26, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (75 votes)

A “motion for a continuance” is a request asking the judge to make an order changing your hearing date. If the judge grants your motion, your court date will be postponed to a later time. For most requests for continuances, you must provide the judge with a suitable reason (“good cause”) for postponing your court date.

How to write a letter to a judge asking for more time?

Begin with a formal salutation, such as "Dear Judge [Last Name]," and introduce yourself and your case. Clearly state your reasons for requesting a continuance and provide supporting evidence. Conclude your letter by expressing your gratitude and willingness to cooperate with the court's decision.

What is it called when you ask the judge for more time?

A continuance may be requested when a party needs additional time to appear on a matter or comply with a court order. The prosecution, the defense or the judge may continue a hearing.

What are good reasons to ask for a continuance?

What are considered to be acceptable reason for a continuance
  • 1. Not having an attorney or not having had the time to look for an attorney.
  • 2. Illness of party or attorney.
  • 3. Attorney having an unexpected event occur in another case that would cause them to be unable to attend.
  • 4. Family emergency.
  • 5.

How many times can you ask for more time in court?

If the defense is asking for continuances, he would be expected to provide the judge with a good reason for it Without a good reason, the judge won't grant it. With a valid reason, one side or the other can almost always get a continuance. There's no set amount of continuances that can be obtained.

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36 related questions found

Is a continuance a good thing?

Good reasons for requesting a continuance include unforeseen personal emergencies, the need for additional time to prepare the case, the unavailability of a key witness, or obtaining new evidence that could significantly impact the outcome of the case.

What is the rule of 4 in court?

On the face of it, the Supreme Court's “Rule of Four” is straightforward. Where the justices have discretion as to whether to hear an appeal, at least four of the Court's members must vote to grant a writ of certiorari, which facilitates a full review on the merits.

What is a good cause for continuance?

Circumstances that may indicate good cause for a continuance include the unavailability of an essential witness (CRC 3.1332 (c)(1)); the unavailability of a party because of death, illness, or other excusable circumstances (CRC 3.1332 (c)(2)); or a significant, unanticipated change in the status of the case as a result ...

Do judges usually grant continuance?

Judges generally do not grant continuances freely unless proceeding to trial would violate the defendant's rights. They have discretion to deny a continuance unless the law in their state requires a continuance to be granted in a certain situation.

Why do lawyers delay cases?

Other times, each side might have requested a delay for its own reasons at various times - for example, an attorney might need time to gather more evidence, or a witness might not be available for trial on that date, or there might be a scheduling conflict.

How to ask a judge for more time?

A “motion for a continuance” is a request asking the judge to make an order changing your hearing date. If the judge grants your motion, your court date will be postponed to a later time. For most requests for continuances, you must provide the judge with a suitable reason (“good cause”) for postponing your court date.

Can a continuance be denied?

A judge may deny a continuance when: the new evidence is reasonably related to evidence the defendant already knows about. the defendant has enough time without the continuance to prepare for the new evidence.

How do I contact a judge on a case?

If you want to tell the judge about your case or ask the judge to take a certain action in your case, you should file a written motion with the clerk of the court in which your case was filed explaining what relief you are seeking and why you are entitled to that relief.

How to plead for an extension of time?

Key takeaways:
  1. Ask for an extension as soon as you know you'll need it.
  2. Meet with your supervisor in person, if possible, to explain the situation.
  3. Offer valid reasons why you're asking for an extension and the ways you've tried to keep the project on track.

How do you write a convincing letter to a judge?

Crafting an Effective Leniency Letter to a Judge: Five Essential...
  1. Start with a Clear Introduction. ...
  2. Introduce Yourself and Establish Credibility. ...
  3. Provide Reasons for Leniency. ...
  4. Tell a Story or Give Specific Examples. ...
  5. Provide Your Contact Information. ...
  6. Not the Same as a Motion to Modify a Sentence.

How do I ask the judge for an extension?

Generally, for extension requests, most judges require both parties to “confer” (communicate with one another) and try to obtain the other party's consent for extra time. If the other party does not give their consent, you can still move forward with filing your request.

How many times can you ask for a continuance?

Typically, there's no limit on the number of continuances that a defendant can request. That said, a judge won't look favorably on repeated requests, especially if they appear to be delay tactics. Repeated requests, made without good cause, will be denied. (The judge could also reprimand the lawyer.)

Under what circumstances will a judge grant a motion?

How do I get the judge to grant my motion? A judge will make his/her decision on a motion based on the law that applies, the facts of the situation, and the arguments made by the parties for, and against, the motion.

Can I ask for a continuance without a lawyer?

Can I Get a Continuance Without a Lawyer? All parties in a case have the right to request continuance whether they have hired a lawyer or are ready to represent themselves in court. However, in addition to ensuring they have a valid reason, the requesting party must follow the court's proper requesting procedures.

Do both parties have to agree to a continuance?

You do not have to agree to the continuance. However, if this is the first request for a continuance the court will probably grant it. If the opposing party keeps asking for more continuances, at some point the court will get frustrated and say no.

How many times can the court postpone your case?

In most jurisdictions, there is no strict limit on the number of times a trial date can be postponed. However, judges generally prefer to see a valid reason for each request, and multiple requests may be granted or denied based on the judge's discretion.

How do I object to a continuance?

An objection to a continuance should be clear and positive, though no particular form of words is required. Words such as “I object,” or “We want it tried,” are clear enough. Expressions such as “Well, we leave it up to the court,” or “I cannot consent,” are equivocal, and will not be taken as objections.

What is a Rule 5 case?

Initial Appearance. (a) In General. (1) Appearance Upon an Arrest. (A) A person making an arrest within the United States must take the defendant without unnecessary delay before a magistrate judge, or before a state or local judicial officer as Rule 5(c) provides, unless a statute provides otherwise.

What is Rule 40 in court?

Rule 40 – Scheduling Cases for Trial. Each court must provide by rule for scheduling trials. The court must give priority to actions entitled to priority by a federal statute.

What is Rule 7 in court?

(1) An application to the court for an order shall be by motion which, unless made during a hearing or trial, shall be made in writing, shall state with particularity the grounds therefor, and shall set forth the relief or order sought.