ALL continuances must be made THREE (3) DAYS BEFORE THE COURT DATE.

If you are a defendant and DO NOT have an attorney: You may ONLY request one (1) first-time continuance (in-person or virtual) of your first court date (arraignment) online (on cases where allowed), by email or by phone (816) 513-2700. Except domestic violence, and non-payable housing and animal code cases WILL NOT be continued online, by email or by phone even if it is the first court date (arraignment) and the ARE NOT ELIGIBLE for virtual hearing. Attend the hearing and make the request to the judge.

If you have a payable case you want to keep payable it is important that you come to the first court date OR request a continuance at least THREE days before the first court date. Then either do not miss court. Missing court on a payable ticket can make it a mandatory court date.  

• Cases past their first setting or arraignment also WILL NOT be continued online, by phone, or by email  including  but not limited to status hearings, jail bond-out hearings, bond-forfeitures, trials, probation violation hearings, specialty courts, Legal Aid docket hearings. 

• If your case is not eligible for online, email or phone continuance 
  • Attend a walk-in docket (if you do not have an attorney) before your next court date to request your continuance.
  • Make your request to the judge at your scheduled court date.

If you HAVE a private or Legal Aid attorney: Request your continuance through your attorney.

Attorneys: Please follow the Attorney Guidelines in Attorney section and file written request at least three (3) business days in advance. 

City witnesses/victims contact City Prosecutor's Office. 

The judge may deny any continuance request. If you have not received confirmation that your case was continuance, you must come to your scheduled court date to avoid a warrant. 

Emergencies: Send email that includes your:

• Name, date of birth, contact information case numbers if available and reason for emergency and any supporting documents you want to submit. 
• Your information will be noted for judge to review which may not happen until the time of the hearing. You may not receive a response until after the hearing. If the judge denies your request and you are not present a failure to appear warrant will be issued.