Alaska Statutes 24.40.020 – Continuance in a criminal proceeding where defendant, defense attorney, or witness is a member of the legislature
Terms Used In Alaska Statutes 24.40.020
- Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Legislative session: That part of a chamber's daily session in which it considers legislative business (bills, resolutions, and actions related thereto).
- Recess: A temporary interruption of the legislative business.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
Upon a showing that the attorney of record at the time of the defendant‘s first appearance in the court of record or a principal witness or a party in a criminal proceeding is a member of the legislature and that the legislature is in session or that a legislative interim committee of which the legislator is a member is meeting or is to meet within the next seven days, the defendant is entitled to a reasonable continuance of the date of trial until at least 15 days after the legislative session or interim committee meeting. However, a continuance for this reason shall not exceed 30 days after recess of the legislature or interim committee. A continuance may not be granted for any longer time than it is affirmatively proved the ends of justice require.