Section 6.10 When to Request a Continuance

• Library: Criminal Practice 2012 Supp

B. (§6.10) When to Request a Continuance

Although a continuance of a trial date may be to a date for setting purposes (i.e., a setting docket), a court must continue a criminal preliminary hearing or other “criminal proceeding” to a fixed date. Section 544.320, RSMo 2000; Rule 24.08. This applies regardless of the party requesting the continuance. In most jurisdictions, a defense request for a continuance of a preliminary hearing setting will normally be granted if valid reasons are given. In many...