This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
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.
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.
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. Many defense attorneys, especially public defenders, can move only so quickly because they are representing many clients.
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.
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.
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 ...
(2) For purposes of this section, "good cause" includes, but is not limited to, those cases involving murder, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 187, allegations that stalking, as defined in Section 646.9, a violation of one or more of the sections specified in subdivision (a) of Section 11165.1 or Section ...