For next time
I'm not sure how they do things in Johnston County AND I'm pretty sure about the officer needing to be there for a trial...I know that Durham Police officers schedule court dates for traffic, but won't show up unless the defendant requests a trial, and then the officer is called in to give testimony...although a written statement MIGHT suffice for the officer's testimony (it would probably be written on the ticket)
As for "PFJ" (Prayer for Justice) I thought the courts actually refer to that as "PJC" - Prayer for Justice Continual (or Continuous? Continuum?) not sure if it was an oversight, but I actually had TWO at the same time (about 10 years ago...GOSH, has it been THAT LONG?)...but...got hit for both by my insurance until the first one got older than three years, and then, the newer one was ignored for insurance purposes - is that what you ended up with? Yeah, I think you pay court costs for PJC? Did you ask for reduction in charge OR PJC? I think PJC is easier to be given if you have a clean records - better for the DA (or ADA?) court record (still counts as a "win" for them)
My last speeding ticket was in Arkansas (in 2006) for 103 in 65...didn't have to appear in court, didn't see any raise in my car insurance after I paid the fine ($160 I think it was...)...oops, newest speeding ticket was 77 in 55 in 2008 in VA...yeah...paid the fine, didn't see any raise in my car insurance!
I think it is Illegal to keep the PA registration, unless you are in the military...blah blah...but I've been trying to be a "good boy" so I haven't had any reason to keep current on any of the laws...