Why Is a Court Case Being "Reset Upon Defense Request"

[WLBooth]

My friend's ex-husband is very violent and has a short temper. He's been extremely violent with her and other people in the past and she has a protective order against him for some of the things he has done. A year ago ago he committed assault with a deadly weapon on one of her family members (a mentally disabled boy) and was charged with a felony. We were all hopeful that this would finally put him away for at least a few years and she could have some peace. He's had a court date almost every month for the last year and has still yet to be convicted and/or sentenced! How is this possible?? The Harris County (TX) website shows that the date keeps getting "reset upon defense request". What does this mean? How long will this go on? He had plea bargained with the prosecutor in November for 3 years in prison, but that fell through because the defense attorney quit since her ex wasn't paying him.

[Mr. Knowitall]

That entry suggests that the defense requested an adjournment that was granted by the trial court. Without access to the case file we can't tell you what grounds the defendant asserted as a basis for obtaining an adjournment, or of any findings made by the trial court when evaluating and deciding the request.

Your friend may be able to get some answers about the case from the prosecutor's office.

[WLBooth]

Thanks Mr. Knowitall! She's gonna contact the prosecutor's office to see what she can find out. It just doesn't seem to make sense how this can happen more than a dozen times in a 12 month period on such a serious offense AND with someone who has a criminal history. It seems like it could go on forever. Thanks again!