Opinion ID: 2033514
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Motion to Continue the Jury Trial

Text: Appellant claims that the trial court's failure to grant his motion for continuance should result in a reversal of his convictions. At trial, defense counsel claimed that appellant was so terrified of Daniel Howard that he cooperated in the crime only out of fear for his own safety. Thus, claims appellant, his inability to procure Daniel Howard's military records prevented appellant from adequately developing a defense of duress. We note at the outset that continuances for additional preparation are not favored. Movant must show good cause and the motion will be granted only in the furtherance of justice. Baxter v. State, 522 N.E.2d 362, 366 (Ind.1988). The trial court decides whether good cause has been shown, and its ruling will be disturbed only if there is a clear showing of an abuse of discretion. Id. To determine whether good cause exists, the trial court may review the circumstances of the case, as well as the allegations of the motion itself. Id. Appellant claimed he feared that Daniel Howard would hurt him if he did not assist in the robbery of Mr. Stemle. Defense counsel argued that this duress would have been substantiated by Howard's military records, which allegedly contain the details of Howard's dishonorable discharge from the United States Army and Howard's violent propensities. These propensities, claimed appellant, put him in such fear of Howard that he not only participated in the robbery and murder of Stemle, but that he also never reported Howard to the police. The evidence, however, belies his claim. The pillaging of Stemle's home, the fencing of his personal property, and appellant's own kicks to Stemle's head support the jury's finding that appellant was a full participant in the crimes, and not merely Howard's hapless, frightened assistant.