Trial Continuance Without Notice In Fairfax
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FAQ
Begin with a formal salutation, such as "Dear Judge Last Name," and introduce yourself and your case. Clearly state your reasons for requesting a continuance and provide supporting evidence. Conclude your letter by expressing your gratitude and willingness to cooperate with the court's decision.
If the parties to a case are in agreement, it is more likely that the court will agree to change the hearing date. Even if the other party does not agree, you may still contact the court to request a continuance of the hearing date.
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.
A request for a continuance must be made in person on your court date before the judge. If you are unable to appear on the court date, you may file a request for a continuance, in writing, no less than two business days prior to the court date.
Your request via email and/or letter will need to include the original filing dates, new proposed filing dates, the number of previous requests (if any), and whether the other party consents to the extension. Email a copy of the letter you file to the other party (usually it's an attorney).
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 ...
What Is Considered a “Good Cause?” Either the defendant or prosecution needs more time to prepare for trial; The defendant became ill or experienced an unexpected life change; Witnesses cannot be tracked down or cannot attend the scheduled court date; The defendant needs more time to retain a lawyer;
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.
Continuances requested without agreement of all parties may be granted only by a judge for good cause shown. Contested continuance requests must be made by personal appearance in open court, after written motion, with at least five (5) days' notice to the Court and all parties and/or counsel of record.
Perhaps the most common reason for a continuance is when one side did not have enough time to investigate the case and analyze the evidence.
