What is a Prayer for Judgment Continued?
A prayer for judgment continued (PJC) is sometimes referred to as a free pass from minor criminal and traffic offenses in North Carolina. It is not entirely accurate to think of this as a way to avoid conviction or punishment, although a PJC can provide beneficial relief for many accused of lesser crimes. A PJC may be able to help you postpone sentencing or provide an alternative to traditional judgment. It can also help those accused of traffic violations avoid insurance or license points.
Those who enter a PJC can be found guilty without any judgment being entered by the court, which often means no points on record and no fines. Court costs are still required to be paid, but if no other punishments are imposed, then that is not considered a final judgment.[1]
When is a PJC Not Allowed?
There are limits to how often a PJC can be used, and there are certain scenarios in which it is not permissible. PJCs cannot be used:
- When sentencing is mandatory
- With certain DWI charges
- When charged with speeding 25 mph or more over the limit
- When charged with passing a stopped school bus[2]
- By anyone holding a commercial driver’s license
Can a PJC Be Appealed?
Only final judgments can be appealed in North Carolina. Because a PJC is not considered a final judgment, these decisions cannot be appealed. You may have the option to ask the court to enter a final judgment by setting aside the prayer for judgment continued. If that occurs, you could then appeal the court’s decision.
North Carolina laws for both civil and criminal offenses can be confusing, and knowing when to use the options available to you can be impossible to determine without legal guidance. Call Ley Law at 252-612-0007 to schedule a consultation with a Greenville traffic lawyer. We offer flexible payment plans to meet our clients’ needs and make legal representation available to everyone who needs it.
[1] NC General Statutes §15A-101. https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_15a/GS_15a-101.html
[2] NC General Statutes §20-217. ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-217.html
