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 Oklahoma, 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, but common grounds include the need for additional time to prepare for trial, the unavailability of a key witness, or ongoing settlement negotiations. A party can request a continuance by filing a motion with the court, and the decision to grant the continuance is at the discretion of the judge. While the parties involved in a case may agree to a continuance, the judge's approval is still required for the postponement to take effect. Oklahoma statutes and court rules provide guidance on how and when to request a continuance, and judges will consider factors such as the reason for the delay, the length of the requested postponement, and any potential prejudice to the opposing party when making their decision.