H852 Summary

• Court cannot order a prayer for judgment continued (PJC) exceeding 12 months for Class B1, B2, C, D, or E felonies.

• If a PJC is ordered for these felony classes, the State must pray judgment within a specific period not to exceed 12 months.

• At the time the State prays judgment or 12 months from the PJC order date (whichever is earlier), the court must enter final judgment unless it finds continuing the PJC serves justice.

• Any continuation of a PJC order cannot exceed 12 months, and the court may not continue a PJC order for more than one additional 12-month period.

• Effective December 1, 2011, for criminal actions heard on or after that date.