The Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) is typically used in cases that involve traffic infractions or minor criminal charges. If a PJC is granted it keeps the underlying charge from being recorded against the defendant. Instead of pleading either guilty or not guilty one may as the judge for a PJC. It is completely up to the presiding judge in a case to decide if a PJC will be granted however if the district attorney does not oppose it usually the judge will grant it. If a PJC is used in misdemeanor or felony cases they still have the same weight as a guilty conviction for sentencing purposes. Thus the charge may not be recorded but the punishment will be the same as if a guilty plea without PJC was entered.
Keep in mind that even if you receive a PJC in your particular case the outcome of your case will go on your record. Thus your record will reflect that your received a PJC but it will not reflect the underlying charge. Additionally if the judge does grant a PJC in a case there will likely still be restrictions the defendant must meet, such as not being charged with the same or similar offense for a specified amount of time. While the PJC is likely a better alternative than having the charge recorded there are still restrictions as to who may receive a PJC. Those who have CDLs are not eligible for PJC in North Carolina. Additionally driver’s in North Carolina limited to 2 PJC’s within a 5 year period before they have an impact on a driving record or add points to a driver’s license.
