Eric Skager Law helps people with traffic tickets and other violations in High Point. When you’re ticketed for certain offenses and facing a long court process, it can feel scary. However, there’s a way you can resolve things without it going against your driving record–a prayer for judgment. My firm can explain your options and help you through this process. Get started today with a free consultation.
Should You Get a Lawyer?
In North Carolina, a Prayer for Judgment Continued—also known as a “PJC”—is sometimes an option that allows you to:
- Plead guilty to the traffic violation, but allows the court to withhold your conviction. It doesn’t erase the charge, but it can help you avoid license points or insurance increases.
That said, PJCs aren’t automatic. You only get a limited number, and not every traffic ticket qualifies. That’s where having a lawyer can make a real difference. You’re not required to hire one, but the process of using a PJC the right way can be more complicated than it look. Here’s how my firm can help:
- We explain when a PJC is a good idea—and when it’s not. Some tickets are better off dismissed or reduced outright, and using up your PJC too early can hurt you later.
- We help you pull together the right information. That includes your driving history and any paperwork that supports your case.
- We review everything closely. That includes the details of your ticket, the type of violation, and your eligibility for a PJC.
- We handle the courtroom side of things. If it’s the right move, we’ll properly request the PJC and guide you through (or take care of) the hearing.
From start to finish, we aim to make this easier, clearer, and more effective. Whether you’re trying to avoid license points or just want to move forward without surprises, we’ll help you find the smartest path.
When Does a PJC Make Sense After a Traffic Violation?
Initially, it might seem like a PJC is a stroke of good luck when you face a traffic violation, it’s actually not a one-size-fits-all proposition. The key is knowing when to use it, because it only works in specific cases, and you don’t get unlimited chances. So when does it actually make sense to ask for one? Usually in the following scenarios:
- You’ve got a pretty clean record – If this is your first ticket in a while, and the violation wasn’t serious, a judge may be more likely to give you a break.
- You’re trying to avoid points on your license – Say you were clocked going a few miles over the limit or didn’t come to a full stop—those might not sound like major violations, but they can still add points to your license or raise your insurance. A PJC might be a smart way to avoid those consequences.
- You’re trying to avoid a license suspension – If you’re close to the point threshold, one more conviction could trigger a suspension. A PJC might buy you some breathing room—if the court approves it.
- No one else in your household has used one recently – Insurance companies usually only honor one PJC every three years per household. So if someone at your address already used theirs, yours might not help with insurance.
- You don’t have a better option – This sounds obvious, but if you can’t get a ticket reduced or tossed out completely, a PJC might be your next best step.
It’s not available for everything—like DWIs or high-speed violations—and judges don’t have to grant it. But if it fits your situation, it can be a really useful tool. Regardless, it’s helpful to know when to use a PJC, but also how the process works legally.
How Does the PJC Process Work Legally?
Asking for a Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) might sound simple, but there’s a legal process behind it—and getting it right matters. A judge can’t just grant it automatically, and if it’s not done properly, you might end up with the full consequences of the ticket anyway. Here’s how it usually works:
- Plead guilty – First off, you have to admit to the violation. A PJC isn’t a “get out of jail free card”—it’s a request for the court to hold off on entering a judgment after you’ve admitted guilt.
- Formally request the PJC – This can be done in court, and it needs to be made the right way. Some judges expect a short explanation, especially if you’ve had prior tickets or are close to the limit for PJCs. A lawyer who knows the local courts can handle this smoothly and respectfully.
- Court decision – PJCs are 100% up to the judge. There’s no guarantee. They’ll usually look at your driving history, the nature of the offense, and whether granting the request seems fair under the circumstances. Judges in High Point and surrounding areas tend to be stricter about repeat offenses.
- If granted, no formal conviction – The violation still shows up on your record, but it doesn’t come with license points or insurance points if the DMV and your insurer recognize the PJC. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re eligible—and that the request is made correctly.
- There are limits – You typically get one PJC every three years for insurance purposes, and two every five years for DMV purposes. If you or someone else in your household has already used one, it might not help you the way you expect.
The bottom line is that the legal side of requesting a PJC is more than just showing up and asking. If you don’t handle it the right way—or if the judge denies it—you’re stuck with the full consequences of the ticket. That’s why having someone walk you through it (or take care of it for you) can make all the difference.
Talk Over Your Options With a Prayer of Judgment Continued After a Traffic Violation in North Carolina
Getting a traffic ticket in North Carolina can feel like a small thing—until you realize it could mean points, higher insurance, or even a suspended license. A Prayer for Judgment Continued might be the right move, but using it the wrong way can come back to haunt you. At Eric Skager Law, we’ve helped drivers in your exact situation. If you’re not sure what to do next, we’re here to walk you through it—starting with a free consultation.
