Continuance For Trial In Wayne
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Circumstances that may indicate good cause for a continuance include the unavailability of an essential witness (CRC 3.1332 (c)(1)); the unavailability of a party because of death, illness, or other excusable circumstances (CRC 3.1332 (c)(2)); or a significant, unanticipated change in the status of the case as a result ...
Judges do not grant continuances for no reason as the need for efficiency and giving a speedy trial go against the use of continuances. In a variety of circumstances, however, parties have a legitimate need to have more time before proceedings such as when new evidence is discovered or a witness needs to be found.
Valid reasons include personal emergencies, unavailability of essential evidence, and lack of legal representation. How do I notify the court? You can notify the court by directly speaking to the court clerk or filing a motion for continuance before the hearing begins.
You'll need to file a request with the court. This is usually done in the form of a written motion, which is a formal request to the court to make a particular decision. Your motion should explain why you need more time and how long of a delay you are requesting.
Either side can ask the court for a continuance, or the judge can order a continuance independently if they feel that it is necessary. Judges generally do not grant continuances freely unless proceeding to trial would violate the defendant's rights.
Rule 3.1332(c) of the California Rules of Court (CRC) allows the court to grant a continuance before or during trial on an affirmative showing of good cause. Each request for continuance must be considered on its own merits.
An objection to a continuance should be clear and positive, though no particular form of words is required. Words such as “I object,” or “We want it tried,” are clear enough. Expressions such as “Well, we leave it up to the court,” or “I cannot consent,” are equivocal, and will not be taken as objections.
The length of the continuance depends on the situation and generally can be no longer than is “necessary.” A defendant might ask for several months to prepare for trial. But if a witness gets sick, a continuance of a few days might suffice.
Written Motion: Most courts require a written motion for a continuance. This document should include your name, the case number, the current hearing date, and the reason for the request. It should be clear, concise, and respectful in tone. Propose a New Date: If possible, suggest a new date for the hearing.
You absolutely can appear in court and inform them that you were unable to properly serve, and ask for a formal 'continuance' (delay) asking for more time to find the defendant. If this is a first time, judges tend to allow such a delay if it is not too long.
