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 the state of Arizona, the concept of a 'prayer for judgment continued' (PJC) does not exist in the same form as it might in other states such as North Carolina. Arizona law does not provide for a PJC procedure. Instead, Arizona courts may offer alternative options for individuals who have received traffic citations. These alternatives can include defensive driving school for eligible drivers, which upon completion may result in the dismissal of the traffic ticket, thereby avoiding points on the driver's license and increased insurance premiums. Additionally, the court may offer plea agreements or diversion programs depending on the circumstances of the offense and the individual's driving history. It is important to note that eligibility for these programs and the consequences of traffic violations can vary, and it is at the discretion of the court. An attorney can provide guidance on the options available for a specific traffic citation in Arizona and represent the individual in court if necessary.