How do I write a letter requesting a continuance?
Asked by: Ms. Carlotta Mosciski | Last update: February 18, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (56 votes)
A request for a continuance letter (or formal "Motion for Continuance") is a written request asking a judge to postpone a court hearing or trial to a later date. To be successful, the letter must provide a valid reason (good cause), such as a serious illness, unexpected emergency, or a conflict with a key witness.
How to write a letter asking for a continuance?
__________ (Name), __________ (plaintiff or defendant) in the above-entitled and numbered action, moves the court for a continuance in this action until __________ (date), on the ground that __________ (plaintiff or defendant) will be unable to attend the trial due to the following facts: 1.
What are good reasons to ask for a continuance?
What are considered to be acceptable reason for a continuance
- 1. The absence of an attorney or insufficient time to find legal representation.
- 2. Illness affecting either the party involved or their attorney.
- 3. An unexpected event in another case that prevents the attorney from attending.
- 4. A family emergency.
- 5.
How can I request a continuance?
For most requests for continuances, you must provide the judge with a suitable reason (“good cause”) for postponing your court date. “Good cause” means a very good reason for not being able to get ready for your case or go to your hearing on the schedule date.
How to write a convincing letter to a judge?
The core of your letter should explain why you believe the judge should show leniency towards the defendant. Highlight the defendant's positive traits and contributions, such as: Their role in caring for and providing for their family. Good character traits or values they possess.
How to Request a Continuance
Does writing letters to a judge help?
These letters can be a very important part of the sentencing process because they help the judge get to know the person they are sentencing in ways other than just the facts of the offense: The letter should be addressed to the Judge, but mailed to the defendant's attorney.
What is the best thing to say to a judge?
Always use “Your Honor” when speaking directly to the judge.
What are valid reasons to reschedule?
If you simply must reschedule, here are some valid reasons why it would be better for all parties if you rescheduled for another time:
- Family emergencies. ...
- Current work conflict. ...
- Illness. ...
- Car trouble. ...
- Give as much notice as possible. ...
- Stay positive. ...
- Give them a reason. ...
- Express your regret.
What is the hardest case to win in court?
The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
Is it hard to get a continuance?
Judges can be reluctant to grant continuances because they don't want to allow one party to excessively delay the trial for their own benefit. When deciding whether to issue a continuance, the judge will probably consider the degree to which the other side in the case will be hurt by delaying the trial.
Why would a judge not allow a continuance?
A judge may be reluctant to grant a continuance if the defense still has sufficient time to prepare, or if the evidence is related to evidence that had been disclosed to the defense.
What are valid reasons to miss a court date?
Valid reasons may excuse your absence – emergencies like severe illness, hospitalization, a death in the family, or a car accident may be accepted if properly documented. Act quickly if you miss court – contact a lawyer right away, gather documentation, and prepare to appear in court as soon as possible.
How long can a court date be continued?
The length of the continuance depends on the situation and generally can be no longer than is “necessary.” A defendant might ask for several months to prepare for trial. But if a witness gets sick, a continuance of a few days might suffice.
How do you write a good letter of request?
How to write a letter of request.
- Gather information. Before you write your letter of request, you're probably going to need to do some research. ...
- Plan your content. ...
- Introduce yourself. ...
- Detail your request. ...
- Explain why. ...
- Conclude the letter.
How do you write a good letter to a judge?
What Does a Judge Look for in a Character Letter?
- Credibility of the Writer: The writer should clearly state their relationship to the defendant and explain how long they have known them.
- Honesty & Objectivity: A character letter should focus on the defendant's positive traits without minimizing the offense.
How to write a letter to a judge requesting an extension?
Be sure to include your case number, proposed dates, and an explanation for your request. Indicate whether the other party objected or consented to the request. If they objected to the request and provided a reason, include it.
What is the stupidest court case?
We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry. Dig a little deeper into the case however and it starts to look less frivolous.
How to easily win a court case?
Whether you represent yourself or hire an attorney, there are things you can do to ensure a good result in your case.
- Find the Right Court. ...
- Litigate for the Right Reasons. ...
- Mediate Instead of Litigate. ...
- Communicate With Your Attorney. ...
- Be Willing to Negotiate. ...
- Follow Court Procedures. ...
- You'll Need a Good Lawyer.
What happens to 90% of court cases?
According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, "The overwhelming majority (90 to 95 percent) of cases result in plea bargaining."
How do you formally request to reschedule?
I'm writing to let you know I'll need to reschedule our meeting originally set for [original date and time]. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Unfortunately, [brief reason — e.g., "a client project deadline has shifted," or "a personal matter requires my attention"].
Why would my court date be changed?
Rescheduling can happen due to overloaded court dockets, missing evidence, or legal strategy decisions. While delays can be frustrating, they're sometimes necessary for building a stronger case.
What is a reschedule letter?
The Rescheduling Request Letter template is a professional format for requesting the rescheduling of a meeting. It includes an apology for any inconvenience, a statement of flexibility, a request for the recipient's availability and confirmation of the meeting location.
What not to tell a judge?
You should not say anything sarcastic, interrupt the judge, lie, use slang, make personal attacks on others, guarantee outcomes, or speak about things not relevant to the case; instead, remain respectful, address the judge as "Your Honor," answer only the question asked, and be direct and truthful to maintain credibility.
What color do judges like to see in court?
Judges generally prefer neutral, conservative colors like navy, gray, black, and white, as these convey seriousness, respect, and professionalism, avoiding distractions in a formal court setting; bright colors, bold patterns, and overly casual attire should be avoided to show you're taking the proceedings seriously. While some suggest lighter, muted tones (like light blue) might leave a favorable impression, the key is sobriety and fitting in, not standing out.
What do judges like to hear?
In hearings or trials, we love you when you stipulate to what you can. Don't waste time on things that are unimportant to the issue that you want us to decide. Judges love stipulations that save time. Be intellectually honest; don't try to trick us into ruling your way.