Hey everyone, quick question. Is requesting a jury trial the same as asking for an adjournment? I was looking into it and got kinda confused. Anyone know how this works?
Nah, they’re totally different. A jury trial request is about who decides your case (judge vs jury), while an adjournment just postpones your court date.
Greenlee said:
Nah, they’re totally different. A jury trial request is about who decides your case (judge vs jury), while an adjournment just postpones your court date.
Oh, I see. So an adjournment doesn’t change who decides the case? It just moves the date?
@Frost
Yep, exactly. If you need more time to prepare or have a scheduling issue, you ask for an adjournment. But if you want a jury instead of just a judge, you have to request a jury trial separately.
You usually have to request a jury trial in writing, at least in some states. Like in Wisconsin, you can do it for traffic offenses too.
Blair said:
You usually have to request a jury trial in writing, at least in some states. Like in Wisconsin, you can do it for traffic offenses too.
Oh wow, even for traffic cases? I thought it was only for bigger stuff.
@Frost
Yeah, like reckless driving cases, for example. But you have to follow the process and file for it properly.
If you want an adjournment, you usually have to get the other party’s consent first, then file a request with the court explaining why.
Cory said:
If you want an adjournment, you usually have to get the other party’s consent first, then file a request with the court explaining why.
Oh, so you can’t just ask the court directly? You need approval from the prosecutor or whoever?
@Frost
Pretty much. Courts don’t just move dates around for no reason, so you have to show a legit need for the delay.
Tbh, if you’re unsure what to do, a lawyer would probably be the best person to ask. They deal with this stuff all the time.
Amanda said:
Tbh, if you’re unsure what to do, a lawyer would probably be the best person to ask. They deal with this stuff all the time.
True, but I was just curious about the general process. Figured someone here might know.
@Frost
Yeah, totally. It’s good to know this stuff even if you’re not in a legal situation right now.
Lowkey, I always thought adjournment meant canceling a case, not just delaying it. Guess I was wrong lol.
Davin said:
Lowkey, I always thought adjournment meant canceling a case, not just delaying it. Guess I was wrong lol.
Same here, lol. Good to clear that up!