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.
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 ...
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.
Illness, death or withdrawal of counsel in civil cases are also reasons for granting a continuance. Absence of witness or evidence. Absence or incapacity of counsel. Absence of party. Surprise. Other grounds.
What are valid reasons for requesting a continuance? Valid reasons include personal emergencies, unavailability of essential evidence, and lack of legal representation.
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.
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).
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.
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 ...