Legal Question in Traffic Law in North Carolina
I've gotten Faulty Equipment in July 2011 for my first speeding ticket (written in Feb. 2011) in the 33 years I've been driving. I just receive another speeding ticket for going 70 in a 55. Can I ask for a prayer for judgment?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Sure if you know the requirements in your local district. Some judges will require that you have a certified copy of your driving history to present to the Court. Also you'll need to know how to properly request the PJC. But why would you burn up a PJC on a minor speeding infraction? If your dstrict attorney will allow it, you are better off having the 70/55 reduced to another Improper Equipment. The North Carolina Prayer for Judgment Continued can only be used once during any 3 year period for insurance purposes and this is per insurance policy - meaning once used, neither you nor anyone on your insurance policy should use another one for the 3 year period. Also, the PJC is completely ineffective if you have a commericial drivers license. Most experienced traffic attorneys will advise you to save the PJC for a time where it is clearly needed. In addition to the reduction to Improper Equipment which if allowed is fairly pricey at $263 in costs, you may be eligible for a simple reduction in speed to 60/55 - most judges will only require court cost of $188. With the record you mentioned above, the simple reduction in speed would not result in an insurance increase.