It does vary from one state to another and even different courts/judges within the state. For the most parts, first request is usually fairly straightfoward and you might not even need to appear before the judge. This is generally for extra time to prepare for the case. Future requests better have good reasons and will almost certainly require appearing before the judge. You will also have to notify the other party's attorney who may object (or not). As with all matters related to law and law enforcement, you mileage will vary depending on the person you have to interact with and how he/she is feeling at that point in time. Always be polite and respectful and don't walk in there with a sense of entitlement. Remember that they can follow the letter of law or legally exercise discretion and cut you some slack.
File a motion with the court requesting it.
Word the continuance in the form of a legal motion, referencing the "style" of the case - (name of defendant and docket number) and present it to the Clerk of the Court's office to be recorded and forwarded to the judge in charge of the case.
To write a motion of continuance, you should include the case title, number, and court information at the top. Clearly state the reason you are requesting the continuance and provide supporting details. Be sure to include a proposed new date for the hearing or trial. Lastly, sign and date the motion before filing it with the court and serving a copy to all relevant parties.
Unless you request and receive a continuance, your court case continues as planned.
A motion for continuance is a formal request asking the court to reschedule a hearing or trial to a later date. It typically includes information on why the continuance is necessary, such as the unavailability of a key witness or attorney, and is filed with the court along with any supporting documentation. The specific format and content of a motion for continuance can vary depending on the court rules and procedures in the jurisdiction.
Contact the court and ask for a "continuance." Be prepared with a good reason why.
By use of the description "plaintiff" the questioner indicates that the case is a civil proceeding. In this instance if the plaintiff is opposed to a continuance they should object to the motion for continuance, then, it would be up to the judge to decide if the continuance was to be granted.
Officers are often subject to last minute calls to duty for service, or are caught on an assignment when they should be responding to court. Depending on the kind of case it is, the judge MAY order a continuance to another court date, or they may choose to dismiss the case for "want of prosecution."
A motion for continuance is a motion asking the court to continue, or postpone, something. Verbal means that it was made orally rather than written.
A stipulated order of continuance is an order of the court continuing a case (delaying the day when it will be heard) to which both the parties have agreed. Typically one party wants to drag it out as long as possible, because "justice delayed is justice denied". So that party wants it continued as many times as the judge will let them get away with, and the other is screaming to have it heard.
Prepare a Motion and Order for continuance. Discuss it with the other side, and get their signature if you can. File the Motion with the court and set it for hearing. At the hearing tell the judge why the matter should be continued. The judge then rules on the continuance.
The court has discretion as to whether or not they will give you a continuance. You should first call the court, and find out their policy. They may require you to appear tomorrow and request the continuance in person, or they may deny it.