The Judicial Council has created forms for requesting a continuance for restraining order cases. Put all your reasons in the motion for a continuance because the judge may rule without a hearing.When a court denies a defendant's motion for a continuance, the decision will be reversed if the defendant can establish a demonstrable abuse of discretion. Under the revised rule, motions for continuance can be filed at any time that the need arises and need not be in writing if the parties are before the court. Failure to submit this form may result in the court proceeding without the requested continuance. If a pretrial motion for continuance is denied, it is imperative that the motion is renewed at the start of trial. The defendant may request a continuance of a pretrial detention hearing. Generally whether or not to grant a continuance is within the discretion of the trial Court.