A continuance is a procedure in civil and criminal litigation for postponing or delaying current or upcoming proceedings—often to locate a witness, or give the parties additional time to prepare for trial, or continue settlement discussions. A party may request the court grant a continuance, or the parties may agree to a continuance, which the judge generally must approve.
In Texas, a continuance is a legal procedure used to postpone or delay court proceedings in both civil and criminal cases. The reasons for seeking a continuance can vary, but common grounds include the need for additional time to prepare for trial, the unavailability of a key witness, or ongoing settlement negotiations. A party can request a continuance by filing a motion with the court, and the request must typically be supported by valid reasons. While the parties may agree to a continuance, it is ultimately up to the judge to approve the request. Texas courts have discretion in granting continuances and will consider factors such as the necessity of the delay, the potential prejudice to the opposing party, and the previous continuances granted in the case. The relevant rules and procedures for continuances are outlined in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
