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 Arkansas, the concept of a 'Prayer for Judgment Continued' (PJC) is not recognized in the same manner as it is in some other states, such as North Carolina. Arkansas traffic court does not offer a PJC as a formal legal option. Instead, Arkansas law provides for different mechanisms to address traffic violations. For instance, drivers may be eligible for defensive driving courses or plea bargains that can lead to reduced charges or penalties. Additionally, judges in Arkansas have discretion in sentencing and may consider various factors when determining the consequences of a traffic violation. This could potentially result in a deferral or reduction of fines and penalties, but it is not a PJC as understood in other jurisdictions. It is important for drivers in Arkansas to consult with an attorney to understand the options available for their specific situation and to receive guidance on how to proceed with a traffic citation.