Polk County District Court, Iowa Adjournment & Extension Requirements

CRITICAL

After a special jury pool is confirmed, a trial continuance may be granted only after consultation with and authorization from the Chief Judge or Assistant Chief Judge.

A. If a special jury pool has been confirmed, a trial continuance shall be granted only after consultation with and authorization from the Chief Judge or Assistant Chief Judge.

CRITICAL

Hearing dates are firm, and continuances may be granted only for the stated reasons or other good cause shown on the record.

All hearing dates shall be considered firm. Continuances shall not be granted unless the continuance is necessary for the protection of the child, for accumulation or presentation of evidence or witnesses, to protect the rights of a party, or for other good cause shown on the record.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Felony cases are generally expected to proceed from arrest to trial within six months, and continuances should be granted only upon a showing of good and compelling cause.

As a guideline, felony cases shall be disposed within six months from arrest to trial as set forth in the Rule 23.2(1)(a) of the Time Standards For Case Processing. Motions for continuance are discouraged. A motion for continuance should not be granted except upon a showing of good and compelling cause.

CRITICALCriminal cases

For good cause to exceed the time standards, the Court may extend the time for trial, but not beyond twelve months from arrest to trial.

Pursuant to Rule 23.2(2) of the Time Standards for Case Processing, if a party demonstrates good cause for exceeding the time standards set forth in rule 23.2(1), the Court may order an extension of the time for trial not to exceed twelve months from arrest to trial.

CRITICAL

Hearing dates are firm, and continuances may be granted only for specified needs or other good cause shown on the record.

All hearing dates shall be considered firm. Continuances shall not be granted unless the continuance is necessary for the protection of the child, for accumulation or presentation of evidence or witnesses, to protect the rights of a party, or for other good cause shown on the record.

WARNING

Magistrate Court trials must proceed continuously and may not be interrupted or continued because the magistrate serves part-time.

Trials in Magistrate Court shall be continuous sessions and shall not be interrupted or continued due to the part-time nature of the Magistrate’s appointment.

WARNING

Continuances are the exception rather than the rule.

Continuances are the exception, not the rule.