Opinion ID: 1584424
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: dmv's granting of two continuances

Text: The DMV regulations provide that continuances may be granted upon good cause shown. See 247 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 1, §§ 010.01 and 010.04 (2001). Betterman's ALR hearing was originally scheduled for October 15, 2004. Kiley gave notice to the DMV on October 12 that Kyler would not be able to attend the hearing because she was on vacation. The director found good cause to continue the hearing, and it was rescheduled for November 2. Betterman's temporary license was extended through the new hearing date. On October 20, Schmaderer notified the DMV that he could not appear November 2 because he was on special duty. The director found good cause to continue the hearing, and it was rescheduled for November 18. Betterman's temporary license was again extended through the new hearing date. Betterman moved to dismiss the proceedings because of the two continuances. The hearing officer denied Betterman's motion. On review, the district court found that the officers' notices to the director provided too few facts for the director to have found good cause; however, the court found that no prejudice resulted from the denial of Betterman's motions to dismiss because no substantial injustice resulted to him. Betterman asserts that the court erred in so finding. In Searcey v. Nebraska Dept. of Motor Vehicles, 12 Neb.App. 517, 679 N.W.2d 242 (2004), the Court of Appeals found that good cause had not been shown for a continuance but concluded that the director did not abuse her discretion in granting the continuance because it did not cause the motorist substantial injustice, given that he retained his privilege to drive. Error without prejudice provides no ground for appellate relief. Lamar Co. v. Omaha Zoning Bd. of Appeals, 271 Neb. 473, 713 N.W.2d 406 (2006). Assuming, for purposes of argument, that good cause was not shown and that the director erred in granting the continuances, Betterman has not shown that such error prejudiced him. Betterman retained his driving privileges until the hearing was held. His argument is without merit.