A prayer for judgment continued (PJC) is a procedure that may be available in traffic ticket court to allow a person who has received a traffic ticket or citation to avoid some or all of fines, penalties, and other consequences.

A PJC essentially allows the driver to plead guilty to the infraction or offense (or to be convicted by the judge or jury) and for the court/judge to continue the judgment or final effect of the guilty plea or conviction indefinitely—allowing the driver to avoid large fines, penalty points added to their driver’s license or record, increased insurance premiums, and possible suspension of their driver’s license.

In this context, a prayer is a request by the prosecutor/government to enter judgment (a final decision or determination) against the driver based on their guilty plea, and for the judge to indefinitely continue or postpone the entry of judgment, which prevents it from becoming final and effective.

Laws vary from state to state and in states where a PJC is an option, it is limited and in the judge’s discretion—a driver or household may only be allowed one PJC every few years, for example. But if a driver receives a more serious ticket or citation (with a significant fine or penalty points) and is unable to get it dismissed or reduced to a lesser infraction or offense, a PJC may be an option. A driver who gets a PJC may still be required to pay court costs, for example, as they are not classified as a penalty.

In Kansas, the concept of a 'Prayer for Judgment Continued' (PJC) does not exist in the same form as it might in other states, such as North Carolina where it is more commonly recognized. Kansas traffic courts do not offer a PJC as an option for those who have received a traffic ticket or citation. Instead, Kansas law provides for diversion agreements or amendments to the charges as potential alternatives for dealing with traffic infractions. A diversion agreement in Kansas is a contract between the prosecutor and the defendant where the defendant agrees to comply with certain conditions, and in return, the prosecution agrees to dismiss the charges upon successful completion of those conditions. This may include paying fines and court costs, attending driving classes, or other stipulations. Amendments to charges may involve reducing the severity of the traffic offense, which could result in lower fines or penalties. Both diversion agreements and amendments are at the discretion of the court and the prosecutor and are not guaranteed. It is important for individuals facing traffic citations in Kansas to consult with an attorney to understand the options available to them and the potential consequences of their case.