Rule 24.09 Misdemeanors or Felonies - Application for Continuance - How Made

If you need more time before a trial or hearing, you have to ask the court for a continuance. This request normally must be in writing, and it needs to explain the specific facts that explain why you need the delay. You can't just say you need more time. You have to back it up with real reasons.

There are two situations where you can ask for a continuance out loud instead of in writing. The first is if the other side in the case agrees to let you do it verbally. The second is if the judge decides there's a good reason to allow an oral request, even without the other side's agreement. Outside of these two situations, you need to put your request in writing if you want the court to consider it.