A continuance is a procedure in civil and criminal litigation for postponing or delaying current or upcoming proceedings—often to locate a witness, or give the parties additional time to prepare for trial, or continue settlement discussions. A party may request the court grant a continuance, or the parties may agree to a continuance, which the judge generally must approve.

In Maryland, a continuance is a legal mechanism used to postpone court proceedings in both civil and criminal cases. The reasons for seeking a continuance can vary, including but not limited to the need for additional time to prepare for trial, the necessity to locate a witness, or to extend settlement negotiations. A party to the case can request a continuance by filing a motion with the court, and the request must typically be supported by valid reasons. If both parties agree to a continuance, they can jointly submit a request, but the final decision to grant a continuance rests with the judge presiding over the case. Maryland courts have discretion in granting or denying continuances, and they will consider factors such as the length of the delay, the reasons for the request, previous continuances, and the potential impact on the judicial process. The relevant rules and procedures for requesting a continuance are outlined in the Maryland Rules of Procedure, which provide guidance on how such requests should be made and the criteria that courts may consider when deciding whether to grant a continuance.