What does it mean when someone files a continuance?

Asked by: Jeff Gutkowski  |  Last update: March 1, 2025
Score: 5/5 (64 votes)

A continuance simply means that the case will be continued on another date set by the court. 15. What is a status date? A status date means a future date on which the parties will again appear in court to tell the judge what is happening with the 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.

What is the purpose of a continuance?

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.

Why would someone 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.

What does case in continuance mean?

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.

Motion For Continuance

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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.

When you receive a case result of case in continuance, can you terminate?

When you receive a case result of Case in Continuance, you can terminate the employee because DHS and / or SSA needs additional time to review the employee ' s case.

How long is a continuance?

How Long Is a Continuance? 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 know if your case will be dismissed?

5 Telling Signs Your Criminal Case Will Be Dismissed
  • Sign #1: Procedural Errors Were Made By Police or Prosecutors. ...
  • Sign #2: The Prosecution's Evidence is Weak. ...
  • Sign #3: There are Statute of Limitations Issues. ...
  • Sign #4: Prosecutorial Misconduct. ...
  • Sign #5: The Court Has No Jurisdiction in Your Case.

What are two reasons for granting a trial continuance?

Illness, death or withdrawal of counsel in civil cases are also reasons for granting a continuance.
  • Absence of witness or evidence.
  • Absence or incapacity of counsel.
  • Absence of party.
  • Surprise.
  • Other grounds.

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 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 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 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 do lawyers file continuance?

Sometimes, you or your attorney may need more time to prepare for court, gather evidence, or consult a critical witness. That's where a continuance comes in.

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.

Can you get a case dismissed without going to court?

Participate In A Pretrial Diversion Program

In many criminal cases, the defendant can participate in a pretrial diversion program. If they successfully meet the requirements, the court will dismiss their case. In California, there are different types of pretrial diversion programs, including: Drug diversion programs.

How do you know if a case is being built against you?

If if the state you refer to is in the US, you could try calling the local public defender's office for the county where the charges would likely be filed and see if they could run your name and find out if there's a case and/or a warrant out on you.

How do I know if I have been dismissed?

You've been dismissed if your employer has done any of the following: ended your contract of employment, with or without notice. refused to renew your fixed-term contract. made you redundant, including voluntary redundancy.

How many times can a prosecutor ask for a continuance?

The basic answer to your question is that there is no limit to the number of times either party (prosecution or defense) can ask for a continuance.

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.

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.

What is a case in 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 continuance for dismissal?

A continuance for dismissal (sometimes known as a “continuance without a plea” or an “agreement to suspend prosecution”) is perhaps the best resolution to a criminal case besides outright dismissal or an acquittal. A continuance for dismissal is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor.