What are good reasons to ask for a continuance?
Asked by: Claudie Schuppe I | Last update: June 30, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (65 votes)
What are valid reasons for requesting a continuance? Valid reasons include personal emergencies, unavailability of essential evidence, and lack of legal representation.
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 ...
Why would someone object to a continuance?
Continuances Based on Inadequate Time
Presenting a case without being adequately prepared could violate the defendant's Sixth Amendment right to counsel. If the defense appears to be seeking a continuance simply as a delay tactic, and no unexpected event has occurred, the judge will deny the continuance.
Why would someone keep asking for a continuance?
Common examples of reasons to request continuance include: Service of process not made upon a defendant. In civil cases, all defendants must be adequately served with legal documents. If the service of process fails, the court may grant a continuance to allow the defendant time to prepare a defense.
What are two reasons for granting a trial continuance?
- Absence of witness or evidence.
- Absence or incapacity of counsel.
- Absence of party.
- Surprise.
- Other grounds.
Motion For Continuance
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 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.)
Do both parties have to agree to a continuance?
Even if the other party does not agree, you may still contact the court to request a continuance of the hearing date. With the current public health crisis, judges may be more sensitive to health concerns and more lenient in granting continuances.
Is a continuance in court a good thing?
A continuance may give you the time needed to secure your testimony. For example, consider you're charged with a serious crime, but a critical expert witness is unexpectedly unavailable. If that expert's testimony is essential to your defense, your attorney may request a continuance to ensure they can testify later.
How to write a request for continuance letter?
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.
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.
What factors should the judge examine when considering the prosecutor's request to postpone the trial?
The test requires the court to consider the length of the delay, the cause of the delay, the defendant's assertion of his right to a speedy trial, and the presence or absence of prejudice resulting from the delay.
What is the difference between motion for extension and continuance?
In CRD cases, an extension of time refers to resetting the date on which a submission is due; a continuance refers to resetting the date or time on which an event, such as a hearing or a prehearing conference, is to take place; and a stay (of proceedings) refers to the suspension of all due dates for submissions or ...
What is good cause to continue?
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 ...
How to get a court date moved up?
You can file a motion to reset or reschedule the court date and see if the judge and the state will agree. Good cause would need to be shown and you would need to explain why this should be done, if the docket allows for it.
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 an example of continuance?
Example: In a custody hearing, the plaintiff has had no visitation with his son. The defendant wants to request a continuance of 4 weeks. A continuance of 4 weeks means that the plaintiff may not see his son for four more weeks.
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.
How to request more time in court?
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.
Why would a prosecutor ask for a continuance?
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 is a stipulation for continuance?
The stipulation MUST BE SUPPORTED by facts in the stipulation that clearly explains the reasons for requesting a continuance of the hearing and/or extension of filing deadlines, and why the the timeline for a continuance/extension is appropriate under the circumstances.
How many times can a defendant 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.
Why do lawyers push back court dates?
Delaying the trial can serve many purposes. If the delay is based on proper reasons, it may allow the defense and the government to adequately prepare for the trial. For example, both sides can have ample time to gather and review evidence in the case.
Why do prosecutors drag out cases?
The reality is that prosecutors and district attorneys often deal with far too many cases than they are able to handle. As a result, they may be forced to allocate their time and resources to certain priority cases, while dropping or dismissing minor crimes.
What does converted continuance mean?
Conversion and “Converted” each refers to a conversion of Advances of one Type into Advances of the other Type pursuant to Section 2.08 or 2.09. Continuance means a change in the date or time of when a brief adjudicative proceeding or formal administrative hearing will occur.