What is a continuance for dismissal?
Asked by: Chaz Schamberger | Last update: September 9, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (53 votes)
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.
What does a continuance for dismissal mean?
A continuance for dismissal in Minnesota is where the parties agree to put the case on hold for a probationary term. If the defendant successfully completes the term, the case is dismissed. In a continuance for dismissal in MN, you don't give a plea, and you don't admit guilt.
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 in court?
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 with payment of prosecution costs?
This means that this an option that the D.A. can offer. The matter is dismissed provided that the Defendant stays clean and out of trouble for a period of time (very much like probation), and perhaps pays a fine, and takes a few classes.
Motion For Continuance
Why would someone ask for a continuance?
A continuance may be granted because unexpected evidence or testimony has emerged. This includes additional witnesses not named in the original indictment, or unanticipated testimony of witnesses, such as major differences of fact from deposition and trial. Minor differences in testimony do not constitute surprise.
Do you have to pay court fees if your case is dismissed?
If the case is dismissed (due to compliance) most of the time the Court mandates costs to still be paid. However, this decision is up to the judge.
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 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.
When you receive a case in continuance?
A Case in Continuance status indicates that the employee has contacted DHS and/or visited an SSA field office, but more time is needed to determine a final case result. The reason DHS or SSA needs more time varies with each situation. Employers should check E-Verify periodically for case result updates.
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.
How do you know if your case will be dismissed?
Some signs we look for are a lack of physical evidence, gaps in the chain of custody of evidence, contradictory eyewitness accounts, or witnesses who lack credibility. If the prosecution's case is built on a shaky foundation, they often realize a dismissal or plea deal is their best option.
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 are the reasons for dismissal of a case?
- You were paid whatever the other side owed you.
- You can't find whoever you want to sue, but want to be able to sue again later.
- You don't want to sue all the people you originally sued. ...
- You changed your mind and don't want to sue anymore.
- You reached an agreement with the other side.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can you get a continuance on an eviction?
A: In California, if you're facing an eviction hearing and believe a continuance is necessary, it's generally advisable to request it at the beginning of the hearing. This request should be made as soon as the judge addresses the case.
What does notice of 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.
How to write a letter of 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.
Do dismissed tickets go on your record?
There will be no record of it because it was dismissed. In a perfect world, you'd get a letter from the police officer and the clerk's office apologizing for wasting your time. Sorry to burst your bubble, but if you pay money to the clerk's office, your traffic ticket was not dismissed.
How do lawyers get charges dismissed?
If the government doesn't have enough evidence, then the judge or jury cannot find you guilty of the criminal charges. Your defense lawyer can argue that there is not enough evidence to support the criminal charges. They can argue this at a pretrial motion or during trial. If they win, then your case is dismissed.
What does dismissed cost to defendant mean?
But if it's a dismissed cost to the defendant, well, that means that the defendant has to pay the court costs, but it also means that it triggers double jeopardy, meaning it's a dismissal without prejudice and they cannot refile those criminal charges.