Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: A postponement of a court hearing to a later date. Either the prosecution or defense can request a continuance, but the judge must approve it. Continuances are the most common reason cases take longer than the speedy trial window.
Category: Court Process · Statute: Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.190 · Source: Florida Legislature
Reasons for a Continuance
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Incomplete discovery — Waiting for evidence, lab results, or depositions
- Witness unavailability
- Plea negotiations — Need more time to negotiate a deal
- Attorney substitution — Defendant hired new counsel
Effect on Speedy Trial
When the defense requests a continuance, it typically waives the speedy trial clock for the period of the continuance. When the prosecution requests it, the clock may or may not stop depending on the reason.
Effect on Bail
Continuances extend the time a defendant is on bail. Bail conditions remain in effect throughout. If bail was posted via a bail bond, the 10% premium is not refunded due to case delays.