TRAFFIC DEFENSE · NORTH CAROLINA · GUILFORD & ROCKINGHAM COUNTY
What Is a Prayer for Judgment Continued in North Carolina?
A PJC is one of the most useful and most misused tools in North Carolina traffic court. If used correctly, it can mean no DMV points and no insurance increase for a ticket. Used at the wrong time, it can be a wasted opportunity you needed for something bigger down the road.
THE BASICS
PJC, Defined Simply
Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC)
A court ruling in which a judge finds you responsible or guilty of a traffic violation but "continues," meaning withholds, entry of a final judgment. In many cases, this means the violation does not count as a conviction for DMV license points or insurance purposes.
The term comes from the literal request made to the court: the defendant (or their attorney) asks and or "prays" that the court continue judgment, rather than enter it. If granted, the underlying finding of guilt still technically exists, but its real-world consequences are often avoided. This is different from a dismissal, where the charge is dropped entirely, and different from a standard guilty plea, where judgment is entered immediately and counts fully against you.
WHY IT MATTERS
A Speeding Ticket With a PJC vs. Without One
Same ticket. Same speed. Very different outcomes depending on how it's resolved.
- Conviction enters your driving record immediately.
- DMV license points added (e.g., 3 points for 10+ over).
- Insurance points added — surcharge applies for approximately 3 years.
- Counts toward the 12-point suspension threshold.
- Shows as a conviction on background or record checks for driving-related employment.
- Court finds you responsible, but no judgment entered.
- Typically no DMV license points.
- Typically no insurance surcharge (for most insurers, once every 3 years).
- Does not count toward the 12-point threshold in most cases.
- May still appear on record for CDL or certain background checks.
THE FINE PRINT
Important Limits on PJCs
A PJC is powerful, but it's not unlimited, and it's not right for every situation. Here's what to know before assuming a PJC will solve your ticket.
⏳ Once Every 3 Years (Insurance)
Most insurance companies will only honor one PJC for rating purposes within any 3-year period. If you use a PJC now for a minor ticket, a more serious ticket next year won't be able to use one — your insurer will already have one on file.
📋 Still on Court Record
A PJC isn't a dismissal — the finding of responsibility still exists in court records and may be visible in certain contexts (such as some background checks or future court proceedings), even if DMV/insurance treats it favorably.
🚫 Not for High-Speed Charges
Charges involving "high speed" (26+ mph over the limit, or 90+ mph regardless of limit) are generally not eligible for a standard PJC — these require a different strategy entirely. See our high-speed ticket page for details.
⚖️ Judge's Discretion
Granting a PJC is ultimately up to the judge — it's not automatic or guaranteed. Factors like your driving record, the nature of the violation, and how the request is presented all matter.
🚛 Doesn't Protect a CDL
For Commercial Driver's License holders, federal regulations generally require the underlying conviction to be reported regardless of a state PJC. A PJC that would fully protect a regular license may not help a CDL at all.
🎯 Best Saved Strategically
Because of the "once every 3 years" insurance limit, sometimes the smartest move is not using a PJC on a very minor ticket — saving it instead for something with bigger stakes down the road.
OUR PROCESS
How We Decide Whether a PJC Is Right for Your Ticket
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1Check your PJC history.
We will review your record to see if you've used a PJC in the last 3 years — if so, a new one won't help with insurance even if the court grants it.
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2Evaluate whether dismissal or reduction is realistic first.
If the ticket can be reduced to a non-moving violation or dismissed outright, that's often better than "spending" a PJC.
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3Consider your driving plans.
If you drive for work, have a CDL, or expect other tickets are likely (teen drivers, long commutes), we factor that into whether to use a PJC now or hold it.
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4Present the request to the court.
If a PJC is the right call, we handle the request — often without requiring you to appear in person.
WHY CHOOSE OUR FIRM
Strategic Use of PJCs, Not Just a Default Ask
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Board Certified in Criminal Law
Brennan Aberle and Julie Connolly are among fewer than 4% of NC attorneys certified as Criminal Law Specialists by the NC State Bar.
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Julie Connolly and paralegal Jeremy Cruz speak fluent Spanish for direct communication with Spanish-speaking clients.
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We Think About the Next 3 Years, Not Just This Ticket
A PJC used carelessly today can mean no help available for a worse ticket next year. We factor in your full picture before making a decision.
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13+ Years in the Triad
Aberle and Connolly have practiced law in the Piedmont Triad for a combined average of 13 years, representing clients throughout Guilford and Rockingham County.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your PJC Questions Answered
How do I know if I've already used a PJC in the last 3 years?
Your insurance company tracks this for rating purposes, and it may not always be obvious from your own records. As part of evaluating your ticket, we can help determine whether a prior PJC is likely to be on file before recommending one for your current case.
Is a PJC the same as the charge being dismissed?
No. A dismissal means the charge is dropped entirely — there's no finding of guilt or responsibility at all. A PJC means the court found you responsible or guilty, but chose not to enter that finding as a formal judgment, which (in most cases) means no DMV or insurance points. They can have similar practical effects for insurance purposes, but they are legally different outcomes.
Can I get a PJC for a DWI?
No — North Carolina law specifically prohibits PJCs for DWI convictions. PJCs are generally available for other traffic infractions and certain misdemeanors, but DWI is explicitly carved out. If you're facing a DWI charge, see our DWI page for the defense options that actually apply.
Will a PJC show up if I apply for a job that requires a clean driving record?
It depends on what "clean" means for that specific employer or licensing body. For DMV and most personal auto insurance purposes, a PJC typically doesn't count as a conviction. However, some employers — especially those requiring a CDL or running detailed background checks — may see the underlying court record regardless. If this is a concern for your situation, let us know so we can factor it into the strategy.
I already pleaded guilty to my ticket — can I still get a PJC?
Once judgment has been entered, it's generally too late to convert that specific case into a PJC. This is part of why it's worth talking to an attorney before responding to a ticket, rather than after — once a guilty plea is entered and judgment is rendered, the options narrow considerably.
Does a PJC affect a license that's already revoked or a DWLR charge?
PJCs are generally about preventing points/insurance consequences for a specific violation — they don't restore a revoked license or resolve a DWLR charge on their own. If your license is currently revoked, see our DWLR page for how that's typically addressed.
WHERE WE PRACTICE
Serving Greensboro, High Point & all of Guilford County:
Wondering If a PJC Could Help With Your Ticket?
Let's Talk Through It.
Call now for a free consultation — we'll help you understand whether a PJC is the right move, or if something better is available.