Goodwin v. State

Having carefully read and considered the record and briefs of counsel, we conclude that the writ is due to be quashed. However, we do not agree with the Court of Criminal Appeals, 516 So.2d 818 that a defendant must make a showing that a desired witness is “willing to testify” before he is entitled to a continuance. It is true that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in United States v. Uptain, 531 F.2d 1281, 1287 (5th Cir.1976), stated that a movant for a continuance must show, inter alia, that the desired witness is “willing to testify.” However, that language is conspicuously absent in a…