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Tip #3: Find your name and line number on the posted sheets outside the courtroom. Most courts keep track of cases by numbering the cases on sheets outside the courtroom. The names are usually listed in alphabetical order according to the police officer. You must know your line number when asking for a continuance. If you have multiple charges, you will have multiple line numbers.

Tip #4: Pay attention to the clerk or judge's announcements before court. Often, the clerk or the judge will make announcements before court. At the last minute they might tell you that a police officer is sick or that the court is switching a police officer's cases to another courtroom. Make sure you know the name of the police officer involved in your case so that you know what to do.

Tip #5: Get into the continuance line. Depending on the court, either the clerk or the judge will ask if there are any motions for continuance. They will ask that you form a line down the center isle of the courtroom. Get into that continuance line.

Tip #6: Tell the court why you need a continuance. When it is your turn, tell the clerk or the judge why you are asking for a continuance. Usually courts will grant a first time continuance if (1) you need to hire an attorney; (2) if the attorney you have hired can not be in court; or (3) if you have witnesses that need to be subpoenaed to come to court. Continuances are not usually granted if the case has already been continued before or if the police have subpoenaed witnesses and they have come to court.
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