- 1). Call the courthouse at least 10 days in advance if you know you can't attend a certain court hearing. Ask what the policy is for changing court dates. With civil cases, court dates are easier to reschedule. Let the judge's office know that you cannot attend and ask if either your attorney can go as your representative or if the hearing can be delayed.
- 2). Contact your lawyer or defense attorney. Lawyers often have more authority and persuasion with courts than regular citizens. With a criminal case, some dates cannot be rescheduled, such as arraignments. But other appearances, such as record dates or trial confirmation hearings, can be attended by only your attorney with the court's permission.
- 3). Write the judge a letter. In cases where you are representing yourself, it might be necessary to correspond with the judge before the next hearing. Let him or his staff know the dates you are unavailable for future hearings. Again, dates are usually more flexible with civil cases than with criminal cases.
- 4). Send a letter or fax to the court clerk. Some cities require that the change request be sent in writing and will not accept a phone call inquiry.