The major benefits of receiving a Prayer for Judgment Continued pertains to driver’s license points and insurance premium surcharges. Since a PJC is not a judgment, the underlying speeding ticket or traffic violation that you used it for will not count as a conviction. As a result, no points will go on your North Carolina driver’s license and your insurance premiums won't increase.
Can I Use a PJC for my Charlotte Traffic Ticket Case?
While a Prayer for Judgment Continued may be used for a variety of North Carolina offenses, it is most frequently used for traffic offenses such as speeding and reckless driving charges. However, if you have been charged with certain traffic violations you will not be able to receive the benefits of a PJC.
Charges that are excluded from using a PJC include the following:
- DWIs
- Speeding violations in excess of 25 mph over the speed limit
- Passing a stopped school bus
Additionally, if you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or were driving a commercial vehicle, a PJC will not prevent a speeding offense or other traffic violation from counting as a conviction. And if you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina and receive a PJC for a North Carolina speeding offense or traffic violation, it’s possible - and likely - that your state will not recognize that PJC; thus, the conviction will count against you.
How Many Times Can I Use a PJC in North Carolina?
For purposes of driver’s license points, a third or subsequent PJC within a five-year period will count as a conviction. With regard to insurance premiums, a second PJC during a three-year period will result in a conviction. This ultimately results in increased insurance premiums based on both the original PJC and new PJC, both of which will now count as convictions.
To further complicate matters, you may not be able to benefit from a PJC if you, or another person on your insurance policy, has previously used a PJC. For insurance purposes, PJCs are accumulated by everyone on your insurance policy, not just you.
Find Out if a PJC Will Work for Your Case
While a Prayer for Judgment Continued sounds great, there may be better options for you. Not only may there be better options than a PJC, but your specific situation could prevent you from receiving any of the benefits.
The inner workings of a PJC are extremely complex. Contact our Charlotte traffic ticket defense attorneys at Browning & Long, PLLC for a free legal consultation to determine if a PJC is right for you.
Have you Received a Traffic Citation in Charlotte, NC?
If you received a traffic citation, you need to speak with an experienced traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Charlotte office directly at 980.207.3355 to schedule your free consultation.
