Picture this: You’re cruising down a quiet road. Suddenly, you see a police cruiser’s flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror. Minutes later, you’re holding a speeding ticket that’s sure to hike your insurance premiums and possibly jeopardize your license. At your court hearing, your palms grow slick with sweat. Then your attorney leans over and asks, “Have you heard of the Prayer for Judgment Continued?”

A Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) is a unique legal tool that offers a reprieve from the usual consequences of traffic offenses. Attorney Daniel A. Hatley explains, “A PJC allows a judge to find a person guilty of a violation without entering any judgment for a criminal or traffic offense.” In simple terms, it’s a way to acknowledge wrongdoing without immediate penalties like fines, license points, or insurance surcharges—though court costs generally still apply.

This legal mechanism is discretionary, meaning judges are not obligated to grant it. “The decision to grant a PJC rests entirely with the presiding judge, and they are not obligated to offer this option even if a defendant requests it,” Hatley says. Defendants typically plead guilty, but the judgment is postponed indefinitely.

A Prayer for Judgment is most often used for minor traffic violations, but it has limitations. For instance, commercial drivers and individuals charged with serious offenses, like driving while intoxicated or speeding more than 25 mph over the limit, are ineligible. Additionally, its use is capped—defendants are generally allowed up to two PJCs every five years to avoid points on their license, and insurance companies may still consider PJCs when assessing premiums. These limits often apply per household, not just per individual.

Not everyone loves the “Prayer for Judgment Continued” loophole

This legal pause button has its fans—and its critics. On one hand, it can help keep small mistakes from snowballing into major life disruptions. “A PJC can prevent the issuance of insurance points and motor vehicle points from being placed on your driving record,” Hatley notes. On the other hand, skeptics argue it creates an uneven playing field. Experienced attorneys may be better equipped to secure a PJC for their clients, leaving others to face full penalties.

The Prayer for Judgment Continued offers both a second chance and a source of controversy. As Hatley emphasizes, “A PJC comes with specific rules, applications, and limitations that can be challenging to navigate.” Balancing leniency and accountability will be key to its continued use in one southern state’s legal system. See Daniel Hatley’s full explanation in the video below: