Normally, in
a Chicago eviction case, your first court date is going to be your trial
date. You are generally entitled to a brief
continuance (a new court date) if you ask for one.
If you want a continuance, there is a special way to ask for it. When your case is called, approach the bench
where the judge is sitting, and when the judge looks at you and asks you “what do
have to say?,” just say “I want a continuance to get a lawyer", or "consult with a
lawyer", or "to get evidence" or "have a witness come here.” That's all you should say. Don't say anything
else. Tenants are generally granted a one-week continuance without any problem.
The reason for not saying
anything more is that once you start telling the judge your side of the case, you
have started your trial. If you then realize
that you need a witness, want to hire a lawyer, or need to get some papers you
left at home, it is very unlikely that the judge will grant you a continuance
then. I see tenants with great defenses
lose because they didn’t ask for a continuance and they went to trial
unprepared. Don’t let it happen to you.
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