If you are available on your court date but need more time to prepare, ask the judge or the court attorney for an adjournment. An adjournment means that your hearing will be rescheduled.
If you cannot be in court on the assigned date, file an affidavit of unavailablity with the clerk. Explain the reason you cannot be in court and show proof. At the hearing, the judge will see the affidavit of unavailability and may adjourn the case. The court will mail a notice of the new date.