Motion for Continuance

A motion for continuance is a request by either the prosecution or the defense to postpone a scheduled court proceeding, such as a trial or a hearing. The motion must state the reasons for the request, such as the unavailability of a witness, the need for additional time to prepare, or a scheduling conflict. The court will consider factors such as the length of the requested delay, the impact on the other party and the court’s calendar, and whether the request is made in good faith. The court may grant the motion and set a new date for the proceeding, or it may deny the motion if it finds that the reasons are insufficient or that the delay would prejudice the other party. In some cases, the court may grant a continuance on its own motion if necessary to ensure a fair trial or to accommodate scheduling issues.