How many times can an attorney postpone a hearing?
Asked by: Earnestine Dare | Last update: August 9, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (26 votes)
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 many times can a lawyer ask for a continuance?
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.
What happens if a case keeps getting postponed?
If all of the delays are due to the prosecutor's inability to go forward, eventually your lawyer can file a speedy trial motion to try to get the case dismissed. But if there are good cause reasons for the delay, in most instances the judge will simply grant the change and the case will be postponed again.
How many times can a lawyer reset a case?
The number of times a case can be reset depends on the circumstances. For example, if a defendant has a court-appointed public defender, they can automatically reset the case three times. However, a criminal defense attorney who you hire on your own can automatically reset a case four times.
How long can a lawyer delay a trial?
There is no hard and fast rule set out in the US Constitution that defines how long is too long for a delay. However, one rule of thumb is eight months. Courts will usually presume they delay of this length has been sufficient to satisfy a defendant's claim that their right to a speedy trial is being denied.
Motion For Continuance
Can a lawyer prolong a case?
Under subsec- tion (f), only one continuance of 15 days is allowed. Even better, California case law has held that the court has no discretion to delay the trial setting, and the defense's favorite “we won't have enough time to prepare” excuse is insufficient. (See Vi- nokur v. Superior Court (Azevedo) (1988) 198 Cal.
How many times can you retry a case?
How many times can a defendant be retried? For those facing hung jury retrials, it's as many times as the government pleases. Double jeopardy prohibitions do not apply when juries fail to reach a verdict. There is, theoretically, a built-in procedural solution to stop the government from endlessly retrying defendants.
Why would a judge postpone a hearing?
A hearing may be postponed by the Judge on the Judge's own initiative or for good cause shown upon the motion of a party. A motion for postponement shall state the position of the other parties, either by a joint motion or by a representation of the moving party.
Why does my case keep getting continued?
Perhaps the most common reason for a continuance is when one side did not have enough time to investigate the case and analyze the evidence. Many defense attorneys, especially public defenders, can move only so quickly because they are representing many clients.
Why do lawyers drag out cases?
It's frustrating when a legal case takes a long time to settle, but there are many reasons why your lawyer might need more time. They could be busy collecting evidence, dealing with complicated legal issues, or negotiating with the other side. Sometimes, waiting a bit longer can even result in a better outcome for you.
What is the strongest form of evidence against a defendant?
The reading material proposes that one of the most grounded types of proof against a litigant is immediate proof. Direct evidence refers to evidence that directly proves a fact without the need for inference or presumption. It provides an unequivocal link between the defendant and the alleged offense.
What is a good cause for a continuance?
(2) For purposes of this section, "good cause" includes, but is not limited to, those cases involving murder, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 187, allegations that stalking, as defined in Section 646.9, a violation of one or more of the sections specified in subdivision (a) of Section 11165.1 or Section ...
How many continuances are allowed?
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.)
Why do lawyers reset court dates?
It's a common legal strategy for minor crimes. If someone shows up to court several times in a row, just to be told to come back another time, often they eventually give up. If you finally go to court next month and the witness doesn't show, it will be hard for a prosecutor to make a case.
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.
How many times can you reschedule a hearing?
If one party announces not ready, a judge might grant a rescheduled date once, or even twice, but beyond that, the party asking for the rescheduling had better have a really good reason for a third or further reset.
What is the legal term for postponing a hearing?
Adjournment – Postponing or recessing a court hearing. Adjudicate – To exercise judicial authority in settling a case.
Can a motion for continuance be denied?
In a Nutshell: A judge may deny a Motion to Continue filed by the prosecution, even if it foreseeably means a motion to suppress may be granted, resulting in dismissal of the case.
Can you be tried twice in court?
In California law, this protection is codified in Penal Code 687 PC, which states: "No person can be subjected to a second prosecution for a public offense for which he has once been prosecuted and convicted or acquitted." The double jeopardy principle protects people from being prosecuted twice for the same crime.
How successful are retrials?
If there is a second hung jury, the D.A. will almost always choose to dismiss the action, or the court will. of the remaining 40-50% of retrials that are not hung, I would say that it is about 80% convictions and 20% acquittals. So the overall odds of an acquittal or dismissal is somewhere in the 60% range.
How many times can a case be reset?
There is no set law as to how many times a trial can be reset but there are laws related to the time frame for a defendant's prosecution. Make sure any continuances granted are charged against the state and talk with your attorney about the timeframe issue as well as preparing for trial.
How long can a lawyer postpone a case?
There is no strict rule on how long a court case can be postponed for.
Can a lawyer drop your case without telling you?
First, the attorney must give the client proper notice of the intended withdrawal as well as notices of upcoming hearing dates, etc. The attorney must also notify the court of the client's contact information so that notices can be sent directly to the client following the withdrawal.
How do I know if my lawyer is bad?
Any behavior that compromises professionalism, such as rudeness, tardiness, or lack of respect for client confidentiality, should raise concerns about the lawyer's competence. Additionally, ethical misconduct or disciplinary actions by regulatory authorities may indicate a lack of integrity and competence.