Request more time to prepare your case in court

If you think you need more time to decide what you want to do about your case, it may be possible to get your case moved to a later date. This is referred to as requesting an adjournment.

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Get legal help about requesting an adjournment

You can get free advice from Legal Aid NSW or you can contact a private lawyer through the Law Society if you require assistance.

 

Apply for an adjournment

If you ask for an adjournment, the judicial officer may consider giving you more time to prepare for court. Reasons may include:

  • you need time to get legal advice or apply for legal aid
  • you have a medical appointment (you will need to provide proof)
  • you were scheduled to be away for your job (you will need to provide proof)

Further adjournments may be possible but the judicial officer will not agree to adjourn your case over and over again without good reason.

What you need

To apply for an adjournment you will need:

  • your Court Attendance Notice
  • any documents that help explain your reason for asking for an adjournment. These could be a medical certificate, letter on letterhead from work, documents from your lawyer.

When not to apply for an adjournment

If you have received a letter from the court saying that you must attend court and you do not, your case may be dealt with without you having a chance to explain your side of the story or a warrant may be issued to have you arrested and brought to court.

How to apply

To apply for an adjournment you should speak with your lawyer or call the Courts Service Centre.

Court Service Centre
Phone: 1300 679 272
8:30am - 4:30pm weekdays

 

How to ask for an adjournment

Watching this video will show you what to do in court and how to ask for an adjournment.

In this video, you will find out:

  • how to prepare for court
  • where to stand and what you call the registrar or judicial officer
  • how to ask the registrar or judicial officer for an adjournment

 

4:02

Asking for an adjournment (Audio description)

Read transcript
Video transcript

Asking for an adjournment (Audio description)

[Judge] Thank you Mr Andrews, you're excused

[voiceover] Yeah it's complicated I copped a parking ticket that I definitely can't afford and it wasn't completely my fault so I decided I'd come to court and plead not guilty.

With this kind of fine i've heard it's very hard to defend apparently what i should be doing is pleading guilty and explaining the reasons. So right now, I'm a bit confused but what I can do is ask for an adjournment.

An adjournment will give me some time to get some legal advice.

Jason Renwick

That's me so i'll just turn my phone off. Don't risk it.

If it's a registrar I call them registrar and if it's a Magistrate, I call them Your Honour.

A magistrate will be wearing a black gown so it's easy to tell them apart.

I'm Jason Renwick Your Honour

Mr Renwick, what would you like to do today?

I'm not sure Your Honour, I'd like to get some legal advice. Could I have my case adjourned?

Any objections, sergeant?

No Your Honour

Okay Mr Renwick, I'm going to adjourn your matter until Tuesday the 3rd of July, which is 2 weeks from today.

And that's another thing be prepared for: a change of dates.

At least know what dates you're not available and don't be afraid to speak up if it's a problem.

Your Honour, I'm away in Melbourne that day visiting my parents. I'm back on the 5th of July though.

Very well. 5th of July. Is that date suitable sergeant?

Yes Your Honour

The matter of Renwick is adjourned to Thursday the 5th of July. You are excused Mr Renwick.

Thank you, Your Honour.

Oh and the bowing thing - get used to it. It's what everyone has to do when they enter and leave.

The information on this page is general information only. Different processes apply for cases in different jurisdictions.

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