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 South Carolina, 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. South Carolina law does not provide for a PJC procedure in traffic ticket court. Instead, drivers in South Carolina who receive a traffic ticket or citation have the option to either pay the fine, contest the ticket in court, or in some cases, attend a defensive driving course to reduce points on their license. If a driver chooses to contest the ticket, the court may find them guilty or not guilty, or the case may be dismissed. The outcome can include fines, points on the driver's license, and potential impacts on insurance premiums. It is important for drivers in South Carolina to understand that they do not have the PJC option and should consider other available avenues to address traffic citations. An attorney can provide guidance on the best course of action for those facing traffic violations in South Carolina.