What are the rules for continuance in PA?
Asked by: Arnaldo Koelpin | Last update: October 25, 2025Score: 5/5 (31 votes)
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 106(C), a motion for a continuance on behalf of a defendant must be made at least 48 hours prior to the time scheduled for the Summary Appeal Hearing. A request by a defendant made within 48 hours of the time set for the hearing will not be considered.
How many continuances are allowed in court in PA?
The law does not provide any certain rules for the number of times a case may be continued. Therefore, there is no limit to the number of continuances that may be granted. Likewise, there is no absolute right to any continuances at all.
What constitutes a good cause for 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.
What are good reasons to ask for a continuance?
What are valid reasons for requesting a continuance? Valid reasons include personal emergencies, unavailability of essential evidence, and lack of legal representation.
How many continuances are allowed in court?
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.)
Motion For Continuance
What is the law of 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.
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.
Can a continuance be denied?
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.
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 do you write a letter to a judge for a continuance?
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.
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.
Why would a prosecutor ask for a continuance?
New events or information previously unknown to the defense—for example, a new witness revealed the day before trial or new physical evidence supporting the prosecution's case—will likely warrant a continuance.
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.
How do I file a continuance in PA?
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 106(C), a motion for a continuance on behalf of a defendant must be made at least 48 hours prior to the time scheduled for the Summary Appeal Hearing. A request by a defendant made within 48 hours of the time set for the hearing will not be considered.
How do I stop a motion for continuance?
You can oppose the motion for continuance by filing a written response. Be aware, however, that the judge has discretion whether to grant the motion, meaning he can do so without a formal hearing and it is unlikely another judge would reverse his decision.
What is a judge's continuance?
Continuance is what a court may grant to delay proceedings until a later date. Parties in a suit or the judge themselves may wish to have a continuance granted in order to prepare for proceedings.
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 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.
What is a stipulated order of continuance?
What is an SOC (Stipulated Order of Continuance)? In an SOC, the defendant enters into a contractual agreement with the prosecutor that is merely approved by the court. If the defendant follows his/her part of the bargain, the prosecution will move to dismiss the case at the end.
How many continuances can you get in PA?
There is no magic limit to the number of continuances of court cases.
How long can the court postpone your case?
However, it is generally recognized that eight months is the maximum amount of time a court case can be postponed for. This is due to the Sixth Amendment to the constitution that says “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial”.
Why do prosecutors drag out cases?
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 lawyers ask for continuance?
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.
Do both parties have to agree to a contract?
To make a contract legally binding, it needs to include several key elements: Offer and acceptance — One party needs to offer something (money, services, rights, etc.), and the other party needs to accept the offer.