Can I get more time before my court date?

Seeking Legal Advice Forum
1

I had a minor incident with a parked police car a while ago, which led to the cops finding out my license was suspended due to unpaid fines I didn’t know about. I paid everything, but now I have a court hearing next Thursday. Does anyone know if it’s possible to postpone it? I just need a little more time to gather my receipts from the DMV.

2

Yeah, I think you can request a postponement, but you might need to file a motion with the court. Did you call the court clerk yet?

3

Indra said:
Yeah, I think you can request a postponement, but you might need to file a motion with the court. Did you call the court clerk yet?

Not yet! That’s a good idea, though. Thanks! Do you know how to actually file a motion?

4

@Orin
You’ll probably need to put it on some official paper, like 28-line pleading paper. Courts sometimes have templates. Maybe check online?

5

I had a similar situation once. You gotta file the motion and serve it to the other party. Someone who’s over 18 (and not involved) has to do it for you.

6

Kim said:
I had a similar situation once. You gotta file the motion and serve it to the other party. Someone who’s over 18 (and not involved) has to do it for you.

Gotcha. So I can’t just hand it in myself?

7

@Orin
Right. The court wants someone neutral to serve it. Kinda weird, but that’s how it works.

8

Did you have to stay in jail long? Sucks that they’d arrest you over fines.

9

Haze said:
Did you have to stay in jail long? Sucks that they’d arrest you over fines.

Yeah, I was held for about 7 hours. Just for some fines I forgot about.

10

Good luck with the court stuff. Maybe bring proof you paid your fines to show you’re responsible?

11

Fern said:
Good luck with the court stuff. Maybe bring proof you paid your fines to show you’re responsible?

Thanks! Yeah, I’ll bring everything I have. Just hoping it helps.

12

If you want to delay it, maybe try explaining your situation to the court clerk? Sometimes they’re understanding about stuff like this.

13

Flynt said:
If you want to delay it, maybe try explaining your situation to the court clerk? Sometimes they’re understanding about stuff like this.

I’ll definitely try that. Thanks for the tip!