You may postpone the matter if you require time to engage a lawyer or apply for Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.

Q: Are there any other reasons?

Other acceptable reasons include:-

1. Time needed for lawyers to apply for necessary papers and tomake representations to the Attorney-General's Chambers; or
2. Time needed to raise funds or make restitution, if you had indicated an intention to plead guilty; or
3. That you require time to prepare a mitigation plea, if you intend to plead guilty.

If the courts grants the adjournment, you may be asked to furnish bail. If bail is put up, you will then be released. If no bail is put up, you will be kept back at Queenstown Remand Prison until bail is furnished. You will be brought to court on the date of your next court hearing.

Q: Can I be absent from court on the appointed date?

If you fail to attend a Court hearing, a warrant of arrest will be issued by the court. If you are on bail, your bailer or surety may have his bail money or property forfeited by the court. A medical certificate will not be accepted unless there is a written confirmation from a doctor that the patient is not fit to attend Court.