when an attorney asks for a continuance, does the opposing party have to agree?

by Jennifer Erdman V 6 min read

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.

The other party might only agree to a continuance if you agree to certain things before the next hearing. If the things are reasonable (or a judge would think so), you can agree. If you do not agree to the other party's conditions or the new proposed hearing date, you must go to court to ask for a continuance.

Full Answer

What happens if both parties do not agree to a continuance?

Nov 24, 2014 · 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. If you have an attorney, they can assess the situation and explain it to you.

Can a court-appointed Attorney request a continuance?

Mar 17, 2015 · All of us are forced to file a motion for continuance from time to time. We are also all encouraged by the Lawyer’s Creed to cooperate with opposing counsel in scheduling matters and avoid games of “gotcha.” The filing of a motion for continuance should, however, never be routine or taken lightly.

What is a continuance in court?

7031 Koll Center Pkwy, Pleasanton, CA 94566. master:2021-09-01_13-27-00. A continuance is a grant of additional preparation time before or during a trial. Either the prosecution or the defense can request a continuance, and sometimes even the court can order a …

How do I file a continuance in a civil case?

Jan 29, 2020 · In many civil cases, both parties are required to agree to the continuance and proposed new court date. This is common in divorce cases. 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.

When a lawyer requests a continuance from a judge what are they asking for?

A judge will give you a continuance if you can show good cause. “Good cause” means a very good reason for changing the date that is already set. Reasons you may want to ask for a continuance include: You did not get enough notice of the hearing.Dec 22, 2021

What is a good reason to ask for a continuance?

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.Oct 18, 2021

What is motion for continuance filed?

A Motion for Continuance is a motion that one party files with the court seeking the court move a hearing or other court date.Jul 15, 2021

What does unopposed motion to continue mean?

An unopposed motion in the law is one where the other party or parties to the lawsuit do not fight against or counter your request.

What is exculpatory evidence?

Evidence, such as a statement, tending to excuse, justify, or absolve the alleged fault or guilt of a defendant.

What is a discovery process?

This is the formal process of exchanging information between the parties about the witnesses and evidence they ll present at trial. Discovery enables the parties to know before the trial begins what evidence may be presented. ... Depositions enable a party to know in advance what a witness will say at the trial.Nov 28, 2021

What is the difference between a stay and a continuance?

In CRD cases, an extension of time refers to resetting the date on which a submission is due; a continuance refers to resetting the date or time on which an event, such as a hearing or a prehearing conference, is to take place; and a stay (of proceedings) refers to the suspension of all due dates for submissions or ...

What is the primary purpose of a motion to determine the present sanity of an accused?

Serves two purposes, it helps ensure reappearance of the accused, and it prevents unconvicted persons from suffering imprisonment.

How can charges be dropped before court date?

How Criminal Charges Get DismissedProsecutors. After the police arrest you, the prosecutor charges you with a criminal offense. ... Judge. The judge can also dismiss the charges against you. ... Pretrial Diversion. ... Deferred Entry of Judgment. ... Suppression of Evidence. ... Legally Defective Arrest. ... Exculpatory Evidence.Jun 22, 2021

How many times can an attorney ask for a continuance?

No set number of continuances are allowed in a court case. Whether continuances are granted and how many are granted rest entirely upon the discretion of the court.Jan 29, 2020

What is a motion for continuance Missouri?

A continuance is the delay and rescheduling of a court proceeding. An application for continuance in an ordinance case is made by a written motion. ... It is the responsibility of the Court to notify parties of the continuance.

What does it mean to oppose a motion?

If one party to a case has filed a motion with the court, the other side can file an “opposition.” An “opposition” is a written statement explaining to the judge why the other side is not entitled to whatever he is asking for in his motion.

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...

John Noah Kitta

If you have been in Family Law for four months, the Court probably isn't going to easily continue the matter. In writing, inform opposing counsel you object to any continuance whatsoever. If they want a continuance, they will have to file a Motion and seek a continuance and show good cause to the Court.

Jay Carl Stoegbauer

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.#N#If you have an attorney, they can assess the situation and explain it to you.

Leslee Joy Newman

You can object to the continuance at the time of the hearing. A continuance is granted for good cause. More time to prepare could be good cause depending upon the circumstances. You (or your attorney) must argue how desperate you are for court orders, and/or that more preparation is not necessary based upon the circumstances.

Daniel James Reed

First, you don't have to agree to a continuance, the other party will note your disagreement in their request. Second, without seeing any forms, no attorney could possibly discuss what they are. You should find a local attorney, take all of your documents to him or her, and have a discussion about your specific facts...

How to prepare for trial?

Both the prosecution and the defense are entitled to a reasonable time to prepare for trial. Exactly what constitutes a reasonable time is open to interpretation, and depends on the circumstances and complexity of a particular case. In general, each side must be given sufficient time to: 1 review the evidence 2 investigate the facts 3 consult with witnesses 4 negotiate a plea agreement (if one is possible), and, 5 in the case of the defense, hold lawyer-client meetings.

What is a continuance in a trial?

A continuance is a grant of additional preparation time before or during a trial. Either the prosecution or the defense can request a continuance, and sometimes even the court can order a continuance of its own accord.

Can a judge grant a continuance?

A judge may not arbitrarily insist that the case move forward when it's clear that a continuance is needed for a new lawyer. A judge probably won't grant a continuance if: the defendant has unreasonably delayed in getting a new attorney. the defendant has another attorney who is prepared for trial.

What is new evidence?

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. the defendant wasn't diligent in anticipating the evidence (for example, defense counsel failed to read forensic reports turned over by the prosecution ...

What is the 6th amendment?

The Sixth Amendment guarantees criminal defendants the right to counsel, but that right has limitations. Defendants have the right to counsel of their choosing —within reason. When a defendant wants to change their defense attorney for another, the court must consider several factors before granting a continuance to allow the new lawyer to prepare. A judge may not arbitrarily insist that the case move forward when it's clear that a continuance is needed for a new lawyer .

What is the most important consideration for a judge?

Perhaps the most important consideration for a judge is whether the party requesting the continuance has been diligent —in other words, whether the party put in sufficient effort. Parties must be active in reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, issuing subpoenas, and testing forensic evidence.

What is a reasonable time to prepare for trial?

Both the prosecution and the defense are entitled to a reasonable time to prepare for trial. Exactly what constitutes a reasonable time is open to interpretation, and depends on the circumstances and complexity of a particular case. In general, each side must be given sufficient time to: review the evidence.

What is civil law?

Conversely, civil law deals with all violations of non-criminal law, such as building violations and violations of anti-discrimination laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. In a civil case, the plaintiff can be an individual, a private company, a nonprofit organization or a government entity.

Is civil law the same as criminal law?

Criminal law and civil law are two completely separate areas of law, and as such, different rules apply to each of them. Criminal law deals with resolving criminal acts and ensuring justice for the parties involved. When an individual is charged with a crime, the state or federal government is the plaintiff, not another individual.

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.

Can a trial date be extended?

When this happens, either of the parties may request a continuance, a trial date extension granted by the court. There are numerous reasons why an individual may need to request a continuance.

What is a Memorandum of Points and Authorities?

The Memorandum of Points and Authorities is the document that outlines the circumstances of the case and the legal reasons why the continuance should be granted. In the Declaration, the individual states all the specific reasons why the case should be postponed. In many civil cases, both parties are required to agree to ...

How long does it take to get divorced in California?

For example, a divorcing couple in California cannot finalize their divorce until at least six months have passed since the date their initial divorce petition was submitted to the court. This does not mean the divorce must be finalized within six months.

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 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).

Can a prosecutor waive time?

If the defendant refuses to waive time in response to the prosecutor’s request for a continuance, the case can be dismissed. And even when the defendant has waived time, the prosecutor must obtain the court’s approval for a continuance.

What are speedy trials?

Speedy Trial Rights and Requirements. For the reasons above, speedy trials are required by statute in most states, which set “speedy trial” windows. Defendants can give up these speedy trial protections by “waiving time,” but even when they do, continuances are explicitly disfavored. In spite of this general approach, ...

What is the purpose of arraignment?

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. Defendants who have not secured counsel may ask for a postponement to give them time to hire a lawyer. These requests are usually granted, but not indefinitely.

What is a writ in court?

The parties file what’s known as a “writ,” asking the higher court to review the evidence and the reasons given by the trial court for its denial. Most of the time, the lower court’s ruling is undisturbed, unless the higher court finds that it is unsupported by the evidence or due to flagrant abuse of discretion.