Continuance of trials for up to 30 days without a showing of good cause. However, that section has been held to be directory rather than mandatory. The.The Judicial Council has created forms for requesting a continuance for restraining order cases. To request a continuance, your lawyer must typically file a motion with the court. Normally just enough evidence is presented to "hold the defendant to answer. " No jurors will be present, since the judge alone decides if there will be a trial. A continuance is a grant from the court of additional preparation time before or during a criminal trial. Request To Present Testimony. A person charged with misdemanors has a right to a jury trial. There is no hard and fast rule set out in the US Constitution that defines how long is too long for a delay.