In Massachusetts, if a probationer is accused of violating the terms of his probation, he is usually required to attend a violation of probation (VOP) hearing within 30 days. This often isn’t enough time for the probation department or the defense counsel to prepare a case. Consequently, continuances are often needed. According to Dist./Mun. Ct. R. for Probation Violation Proceedings Rule 6(e),
Probation violation hearings shall be continued only by a judge and only for good cause shown. The reason for any continuance shall be stated by the judge and set forth on the record. No continuance shall be ordered other than to a date certain and for a specific purpose as provided in Rule 8(a).
Accordingly, a probationer who is requesting a later VOP hearing date needs to specify on what new date the matter should be hear. He must also state “good cause” for requesting the delay. This should be done through a written motion and, ideally, the motion should be assented to by the probation department.