why would a defense attorney motion for continuence

Lawyers typically seek continuances because they want more time to prepare for trial. Common reasons for continuances include the following. Both the prosecution and the defense are entitled to a reasonable time to prepare for trial.

Full Answer

Can a defense attorney ask for a continuance?

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. Reasons for a Continuance. Lawyers typically seek continuances because they want more time to prepare for trial.

What happens if a motion for continuance is denied?

Have a Good Reason The first thing you will need to request a continuance is a valid reason. This reason could be scheduling conflicts or the inability to acquire necessary documents before the assigned date. You will be required to explain your reason in your request.

What is a motion to continue in a civil case?

Thus, often a situation arises where either a party or his/her attorney has a scheduling conflict with the date selected by the court. A common remedy to this situation is to file a Motion to Continue the hearing, which requests that the court reschedule the …

What is a continuance in a criminal case?

May 11, 2010 · 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 …

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...

Benefits of a Motion for Continuance

A continuance gives you and your divorce attorney more time to prepare for your hearing.

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.

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 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 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.

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.