One of the frequent questions I get on my public service legal call-in show on Tuesday mornings, and in my frequent lectures on the law, is the mystical sounding Prayer For Judgment Continued, or PJC. What, exactly, is a PJC?
A prayer for judgment continued, sometimes called a PJC, is an entry granted by the Judge, it is not a decision made by the Prosecutor. “What is it, exactly?”
A PJC is a resolution sometimes granted by a judge to resolve a matter. It is most often used for motor vehicle offenses. It is a disposition, but it is not a final judgment (unless there is a fine levied as well), with no insurance or driver’s license implications, except under limited circumstances. The Judge uses his or her discretion to grant a PJC and there are usually mitigating circumstances where the defendant is deserving of a break.
PJC's are not allowed in certain excessive motor vehicle violations such as speeding well in excess of the posted speed limit or passing a stopped school bus.
There is no insurance premium surcharge, nor any assessment of points, for one PJC during a three year period, per insurance household.
If someone receives another PJC within the 3 year period after the PJC provision has been used, it may help regarding driver’s license implications but not for insurance implications.
Traffic laws are on the books to protect you, your family, and others. Speeding in excess of posted limits is the single greatest cause of personal injury and death on our highways. Being a fast driver and wearing it as a badge of honor is no honor at all, and you put every citizen in your path at risk when you violate the law. Obey the law and you will never have to worry about PJC’s.
This information is provided as a public service and it should not be relied upon without first consulting your attorney. No attorney-client privilege is established with Wells Jenkins by the furnishing of this information.
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