Why do they keep continuing court cases?
Asked by: Stan Beatty | Last update: August 22, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (26 votes)
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.
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 does it mean when a case keeps getting continued?
``Continued generally'' means that the criminal case remains on the list of active cases until he/she is arrested. The best option for the person is to turn himself/herself in. He/she will not be released on bond UNLESS he/she has a really good excuse for not being in court. This matter will not go away.
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 does "continue" mean in a court case?
A continuance may be requested when a party needs additional time to appear on a matter or comply with a court order.
Why Do Criminal Cases Take So Long?
How many continuances can you get in a court case?
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.)
What is a continuing case?
In American procedural law, a continuance is the postponement of a hearing, trial, or other scheduled court proceeding at the request of either or both parties in the dispute, or by the judge sua sponte.
Why do court cases keep getting pushed back?
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.
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.
Why do court cases keep getting reset?
Prosecuting attorneys also have the right to reset a case, and they often do so to gather more evidence against the defendant. These resets can happen directly with the court administrator.
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 do lawyers prolong 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.
Why does my court 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 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.
Do both parties have to agree to a continuance?
You do not have to agree to the continuance. However, if this is the first request for a continuance the court will probably grant it. If the opposing party keeps asking for more continuances, at some point the court will get frustrated and say no.
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.
What does a continuance mean in court case?
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 should you do with the further action notice?
Review the Further Action Notice with the employee in private and instruct the employee to confirm whether the information listed at the top is correct. If you determine that you entered information incorrectly, select the statement indicating the information was not correct, then click Close Case.
Why do most cases settle out of court?
Settlement Guarantees an Award: Trials are unpredictable. A personal injury plaintiff who takes their case to trial must remember that there is always a chance that they will lose their case and get $0. By settling their cases victims guarantee that they will be compensated for their losses.
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 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.
What is a continuing offense?
A continuing offense is a violation of the law that occurs over a period of time rather than in a single instance. It is an offense that continues to be committed until it is stopped or prevented.
What is the meaning of ongoing case?
An open case implies that a final decision and course of action, if any, has not been reached by the authority. A ongoing case implies that a possible violation has occurred, but also the very same violation continues to happen.
Why would a sentencing hearing be continued?
There could be a number of reasons as to why a Judge would approve a continuance for sentencing. There may be documents and reports that still need to be submitted to the court and reviewed. There can also be a scheduling conflict. When it comes to continuances, they can be granted for a variety of reasons.