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 New York State, the concept of a 'Prayer for Judgment Continued' (PJC) does not exist as it does in some other states, such as North Carolina. New York traffic law does not provide for the indefinite postponement of judgment upon a guilty plea or conviction in traffic cases. Instead, when a person is found guilty of a traffic violation, the court will impose the appropriate fines, penalties, and points on the driver's license as prescribed by law. New York State uses a points system to track violations and if a driver accumulates too many points, it can lead to increased insurance premiums or license suspension. However, New York courts do have the discretion to offer plea bargains or reductions for certain traffic offenses, which can result in lesser penalties or reduced charges. It is important for drivers to consult with an attorney to explore their options, which may include challenging the ticket, negotiating a plea, or attending a defensive driving course to reduce points on their driving record.