Can you ask a judge for a continuance?
A continuance changes the date of a court hearing or trial to a later date.
You can ask a judge for a continuance by filing a motion for continuance.
Can you request a continuance without a lawyer?
Yes. You must show up in Court and ask the judge for a continuance based on the fact you are seeking out legal representation. Depending on the Judge and County you are likely to get at least one continuance to seek out counsel.
Why would a defendant ask for a continuance?
Typical Reasons Why Defendants Ask for Continuances. Judges are often asked to continue a hearing or a trial for these reasons: At arraignment, to secure counsel. Defendants who have not secured counsel may ask for a postponement, to give them time to hire a lawyer.
How do I get a continuance in criminal court?
A continuance is obtained by filing a motion for a continuance with the court. This is a formal, written request that is asking the court to delay or suspend the trial, and it states the reason for the request. The judge will go over the request and announce their decision in court.
What constitutes good cause for continuance?
GOOD CAUSE EXISTS FOR CONTINUANCE IN THAT DEFENDANT’S COUNSEL IS UNAVAILABLE DUE TO DEATH. DEFENDANT IS SEEKING NEW COUNSEL, AND SUCH NEW COUNSEL WILL BE UNABLE TO ADEQUATELY PROSECUTE THIS MATTER AT TRIAL WITHOUT A CONTINUANCE. A. Good Cause.
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