Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC): Not the Magic Wand You Might Think It Is
In North Carolina, many people have heard of a Prayer for Judgment Continued, or “PJC,” and assume it’s a get-out-of-jail-free card for traffic tickets. The logic goes: just ask for a PJC, and poof—no points, no insurance increase, no consequences. But before you try to handle a ticket on your own and rely on this legal tool, it’s important to understand what a PJC actually is—and more importantly, what it isn’t.
What Is a PJC?
A PJC is a unique sentencing option in North Carolina where a judge may choose not to enter a final judgment of guilt for certain offenses, even when the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty. This can mean that, in some cases, license and insurance points may not be assessed. See this old video of mine for some more detail.
Sounds great, right?
Not So Fast My Friend — The Catch
Here’s the part most people don’t understand: a PJC is not guaranteed. It’s completely within the discretion of the judge, and whether it’s appropriate depends on the charge, your driving record, and even local court policies. Some judges in some counties are more receptive to PJCs than others, different District Attorneys may have different policies about when they’ll object to it, and certain offenses may disqualify you from even being eligible.
And here’s another wrinkle: The PJC, even if it’s allowed, may not be your best outcome anyway! Oftentimes, it’s the third best outcome, depending on what you’re charged with. This is not to mention that you’re typically only allowed one PJC every three years per household for insurance purposes and two every five years per person for DMV purposes. Use it wrong, and you could burn your only chance or the chance for someone in your family to use it when it would’ve been better saved for a more serious charge.
The Local Factor: Why County Policies Matter
Each county in North Carolina has its own unwritten rules and tendencies when it comes to PJCs. What might be an easy PJC in one courtroom could be a non-starter in another. Judges and prosecutors have varying policies that all play a role, and understanding those local dynamics can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
That’s why it’s so important to talk to a local attorney—someone who knows the ropes in your specific county and can advise you on the best course of action based on the court’s usual practices.
The Bottom Line
If you try to handle your ticket on your own and just ask the court for a PJC, you may end up doing more harm than good. You could waste your eligibility for a PJC, hurt your insurance, or make it harder to resolve future tickets.
Hiring a local attorney who knows the law, the courtroom, and the practical realities of how traffic tickets are handled in your area is almost always worth the cost. You get one shot to do it right—don’t gamble with your driving record or your wallet.
If you’ve received a traffic ticket in North Carolina, contact Jeffrey Allen Howard, Attorney at Law, PLLC today. I’ll give you honest, informed advice and help you make the right decision—not just the easy one.
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