suspension pending final adjudication.] Nothing in this chapter shall operate to deprive any defendant of the right to a continuance in any case in which such right would attach in any criminal case as provided by law, but before any case shall be continued, upon application of the defendant, beyond the term of court at which the accusation is presented, or if such accusation is presented in vacation beyond the first term of court after presentment thereof the court may, upon application of the district attorney, make a preliminary investigation as provided in this chapter and suspend the officer, pending a final adjudication of the matters alleged in the accusation.