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 Rhode Island, the concept of a 'Prayer for Judgment Continued' (PJC) is not recognized in the same manner as it may be in other states, such as North Carolina where it is more commonly used. Rhode Island traffic court procedures do not include a PJC as a formal option. Instead, Rhode Island traffic violations are typically handled through payment of fines, traffic school, or court appearances where the judge may use discretion in sentencing. If a driver pleads guilty or is found guilty of a traffic offense, the judge may impose fines, points on the driver's license, and other penalties as applicable under Rhode Island law. However, judges in Rhode Island may consider various factors, including the driver's record and the circumstances of the violation, when determining the appropriate sentence, which could result in reduced penalties. It is important for individuals facing traffic citations in Rhode Island to consult with an attorney to understand the available options and potential outcomes based on the specifics of their case.