A "Motion for Continuance" in North Carolina is a legal request filed by one party in a court case to postpone or delay a scheduled hearing, trial, or other proceedings to a later date. This motion is typically made when the party needs additional time to prepare their case, gather evidence, or for other valid reasons. In North Carolina, there are several types of Motions for Continuance that may be utilized depending on the circumstances of the case. Some common types include: 1. General Motion for Continuance: This is a standard motion used when a party requires more time to adequately prepare for a hearing or trial. It can be filed by both the plaintiff and the defendant. 2. Emergency Motion for Continuance: This motion is filed when circumstances arise that require an immediate postponement of the proceedings. Emergencies may include sudden illness, accidents, or unforeseen events that make it impossible for a party or their attorney to attend the scheduled hearing. 3. Motion for Continuance Due to Witness Unavailability: This motion is filed when a crucial witness is unavailable on the scheduled hearing date or trial. The party must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate the importance of the witness's testimony and the efforts made to secure their presence. 4. Motion for Continuance Based on New Evidence: When newly discovered evidence becomes available that can significantly impact the outcome of the case, a party may file this motion to request a continuance. They must show that the evidence was discovered after the original hearing/trial date was set and that it is material and relevant to their case. 5. Motion for Continuance Due to Attorney Conflict or Unavailability: If an attorney has a conflicting trial or an unexpected unavailability that prevents them from representing their client on the scheduled date, this motion can be filed to request a postponement. 6. Motion for Continuance in Criminal Cases: In criminal cases, a motion for continuance can be made by either the prosecution or the defense. Reasons for filing this motion may include the need for additional time to conduct investigations, gather evidence, obtain expert witnesses, or when a defendant needs more time to prepare their defense. It is essential to ensure that any Motion for Continuance in North Carolina is supported by valid reasons and properly filed with the court, with sufficient notice given to opposing parties. The decision to grant or deny a motion rests with the judge, who will consider the merits of the request and the potential impact on the case.