why would a lawyer 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: 1. At arraignment, to secure counsel. An arrestee’s first court appearan...

Typical Reasons Why Prosecutors Ask For Continuances

Prosecutors must bring a case to trial within the speedy trial window unless the defendant has waived time. If the defendant refuses to waive time...

When The Judge Says, “No,” Does The Defendant Have Any recourse?

Judges are normally very careful to document the evidence offered in support of the motion for a continuance, and their reasons for granting or den...

Questions For Your Attorney

1. I’ve waived time and need more time to prepare my case. What do I have to tell the judge to get the trial date pushed back? 2. If the prosecutor...

Why do defendants ask for continuances?

Typical Reasons Why Defendants Ask for Continuances. Judges are often asked to continue a hearing or a trial for these reasons: At the arraignment, to secure counsel. An arrestee’s first court appearance is often the arraignment, when the judge reads the charges and asks for a plea.

What happens when a defense asks for a continuance?

When that happens, the defense may ask for a continuance to locate that witness. Again, however, the defense will have to convince the court that the witness’s testimony is important and will have to show that the defense used due diligence in trying to secure the witness’s appearance in the first place.

What questions should I ask my attorney?

Questions for Your Attorney 1 I’ve waived time and need more time to prepare my case. What do I have to tell the judge to get the trial date pushed back? 2 If the prosecutor asks for a continuance and gets it, can I challenge the delay by filing a writ in the appellate court? 3 I’d like to hire new counsel because I think the one I have is not doing a good job. What do I have to tell the judge to get time for finding a new lawyer?

What happens if a defendant needs another lawyer?

If the defendant needs to find another lawyer, a court could also give the defendant a reasonable amount of time to secure a new attorney. To deal with adverse pretrial publicity. Occasionally, defendants will ask for a continuance on the grounds of prejudicial publicity.

What is the right to prepare for trial?

To prepare for trial. States typically provide defendants with a minimum amount of time between entering the plea and going to trial. But a defendant has a right to adequately prepare defense (which includes the right of counsel to prepare).

What is the first appearance of a defendant?

In spite of this general approach, both the defense and the prosecution in a criminal case (and the court, on its own motion) may ask for and obtain a continuance, beginning with the defendant’s first appearance, which is typically the arraignment (where the defendant is appraised of the charges and asked how he wishes to plead).

What is the rule for criminal cases in California?

Criminal cases must be heard and determined “at the earliest possible time,” and the proceedings expedited “to the greatest degree consistent with the ends of justice.” (Cal. Penal Code § 1050 (a).) California Rules of Court, Rule 4.113 states that motions to continue criminal trials are downright “disfavored.”.

What if I get a bad result in juvenile court?

What if I get a bad result? Well, the good news is that, at the juvenile court level, you can automatically appeal your result to the circuit court, so long as you note your appeal within a certain period of time – double check with the clerks in your local court on this rule, as some courts vary.

Can a judge move forward without granting a continuance?

There is always a chance that the judge will move forward without granting your continuance. You can ask, though – after all, it never hurts to ask. As a pro se litigant (a person showing up to represent herself without an attorney) you stand a better chance than most.

Can a divorce case be heard in juvenile court?

Once your divorce is filed, the custody case can no longer be heard in the juvenile court. You could actually do this on the exact same day as your custody case – sometimes, that does happen. It might not be the nicest thing in the world, but…it certainly happens.

Is custody a scary thing?

Custody cases especially are particularly scary , and there are a lot of moving parts. The best thing you can do is make sure you understand as much as possible about how custody cases work and what’s involved, so that you don’t wind up in a difficult position.

Can you show up for a custody trial?

If you’ve already been to your initial appearance, chances are you’re going to your custody trial. If you haven’t hired an attorney yet, you can show up and ask for a continuance – but it’s risky. There is always a chance that the judge will move forward without granting your continuance.

What is a continuance in divorce?

A continuance gives you and your divorce attorney more time to prepare for your hearing . This would include time to consult experts and possibly retain expert witnesses; obtain a professional appraisal on property or an evaluation on custody or parenting time issues; conduct a deposition for the opposing party or their experts; or simply have more time to develop your strategy and testimony.

What to do if you object to a continuance?

If you strongly object to the continuance and have unique reasons for objecting (i.e., the school example above or you allege a continuance would endanger your children for a specific reason), you can file a written Objection to the Motion to Continue, and file it with the court.

Can a continuance damage your case?

How a Continuance Could Damage Your Case. While both of the above circumstances can be used to gain benefit from a continuance, in some circumstances, continuing your hearing could be detrimental to your case. For instance, if you are requesting a hearing on which school your child will attend in the fall, you don’t want to risk your hearing taking ...

Can you control the court on a motion to continue?

While you cannot always control how the court will rule on a Motion to Continue, the above information outlines your options for letting the court know your feelings on the Motion, and also provides you with information on making the best of a continuance if it is granted. To arrange an initial consultation to discuss divorce rights ...

Can a court hearing be pushed to a later date?

This will usually result in a later hearing date than the one presently reserved, as the court’s calendar continues to fill up after your hearing was scheduled. While having your hearing pushed to a later date can be frustrating, it could actually benefit your case in some circumstances.

Can you request a continuance hearing after school starts?

For instance, if you are requesting a hearing on which school your child will attend in the fall, you don’t want to risk your hearing taking place after the school year starts if you can avoid it. Some states’ courts require the party requesting the continuance to check if the other party objects to rescheduling the hearing.

How long does it take to get a continuance?

The judge will normally ask how much time you need and will generally give you between two and four weeks.

Why are some people successful at representing themselves?

There are many people who try to represent themselves at court and some do a better job than others. Some get more helpful advice from the court service centers than others. Some get judges that are more patient than others.

Is it easier to deal with an issue than others?

Some issues are just easier to deal with than others. Some people are comfortable speaking for themselves and some are not. Sometimes people assume that the other party is also representing themselves… then they find out at court that they have an attorney.

Jennifer L. Ellis

You should ask your lawyer why he asks for continuances. You can explain to your lawyer that you want to go forward, but you should really have a conversation with him and listen to what he has to say. I understand you want your case over with, but frequently continuances are a good thing...

Matthew Scott Berkus

The decision to continue your case is not really up to you. The rules give your attorney fairly wide latitude in handling a case. And what the client wants isn't always required. The attorney gets to dictate tactics, you don't.

Anthony Bettencourt Cameron

Every night before I retire each night, I pray "God, deliver me from Criminal Defendants who want immediate closure!"

Christine C McCall

In almost every case, continuances benefit the defendant and burden the prosecutor. Your lawyer knows this; so does the prosecutor. Why do you want to second-guess your lawyer? Who has the better state of information and knowledge?

Why are courts reluctant to grant continuances in criminal cases?

Generally, courts are more reluctant to grant continuances in criminal cases than in civil cases because the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution grants individuals facing criminal charges the right to a speedy trial. In a civil case, there is no similar right, as the outcome of a civil case is typically compensation for the injured party, rather than justice for a victim or an accused defendant.

How long does a continuance last?

Common lengths of time for case continuances are six to eight months, but it may take longer or shorter, depending on the case.

What happens if you don't agree to a new date in a divorce?

If both parties do not agree to the new court date proposed in the Motion to Continue, the court may hear the motion during the motion hearing, then rule on whether to grant the continuance. If the continuance is granted, the court issues a new date.

What is a motion to continue?

When the court receives a Motion to Continue, it may, at its discretion, approve or deny the motion. Typically, the court approves motions that cite valid reasons for pursuing continuance. A Motion to Continue has three parts: the Motion, the Memorandum of Points and Authorities and the Declaration.

How many times can a case be postponed?

A case may be postponed as many times as the court deems it to be necessary. As long as there is an acceptable reason to grant a continuance, the court may grant it and prolong a legal proceeding.

Why is a case postponed?

This could be because a judge or prosecutor is ill, because the evidence provided has been found to be false, or because one or more proper court procedures, such as filing case-related documents by their deadline, have not occurred. A case may be postponed as many times as the court deems it to be necessary.

Why is it important to prepare for court cases?

The time that individuals engaged in court cases have to prepare their cases and negotiate deals and settlements is crucial to the court’s ability to reach a just outcome , which is why nearly all legal processes in the United States are governed by specific deadlines.