How to Delay Your Traffic Court Date
When a traffic infraction brings you to court, it's important to keep the date. However, sometimes it's necessary to reschedule, known as requesting a continuance. Continuance rules vary by state and by court --- in some locations, requesting a continuance is as easy as writing an email, while in others it requires a form filled out in hard copy or is only granted for a handful of reasons. Communicating with your court is the best way to learn the rules that apply to you.
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Instructions
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Read your traffic citation for information, such as where to appear in court and the court's contact information.
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Find out what your court rules are regarding continuances, as they vary from county to county. The State of Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County, for example, suggests hiring an attorney to request your continuance, and will not accept telephone or email requests; in the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County, you can ask for a continuance in person, in writing or by phone at least 10 court days before your date (commissioner-scheduled dates can only be rescheduled with a letter addressed to the court).
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Follow your court's instructions and attend the new court date, if the court grants your continuance.
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Tips & Warnings
Most courts will punish a person who fails to appear in court on the scheduled date with fines or other penalties.
References
- Photo Credit winter traffic image by cameraman from Fotolia.com
