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 the state of Nevada, the concept of a 'Prayer for Judgment Continued' (PJC) does not exist as it does in some other states, such as North Carolina. Nevada law does not provide for the indefinite postponement of judgment in traffic cases. Instead, when a person receives a traffic ticket in Nevada, they have the option to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If a guilty plea is entered, the judge will impose a sentence which may include fines, points on the driver's license, and potentially other penalties depending on the severity of the offense. Nevada does offer traffic school as an option for certain offenses, which can help in reducing points on a driver's license. Additionally, for some minor offenses, the court may allow for a reduction or dismissal of charges upon completion of certain requirements, such as traffic school or community service. However, these outcomes are at the discretion of the court and are not the same as a PJC. It is important for drivers in Nevada to consult with an attorney to understand the options available for their specific situation and to seek the best possible outcome in traffic court.