Received a speeding ticket, should I ask for a PJC?

Without seeing your prior driving record, knowing which state issued your license, and knowing your charge....your question cannot be answered here except to say it would be much smarter to hire a lawyer first . It would be a shame for you to take time from work to go to court and maybe find out that the PJC you wanted either cannot be granted, won't help you, or, worse, could backfire. Those of us who represent traffic clients as a major part of our law practices aren't guessing at answers- we know NC law and DMV administrative procedure..,

The only thing I would add to my colleague's excellent answer is this - you can't get a PJC until you pled guilty to something. In other words, if the judge refuses to give you a PJC, then it's too late, because you have admitted responsibility to the charge. You need to hire a lawyer to help you - 1. because we know what we are doing, 2. It should save you the trouble of going to court, and 3. whoever you hire will be in a much better position to evaluate your options, which probably include more than just a PJC.

Additionally, some drivers cannot get a pjc, as DMV will not recognize it. Also, in many situations, a pjc is not your best option. Ca a lawyer before you make a mistake that causes your insurance to skyrocket.

You should hire a lawyer. The cost for legal help in traffic court ($50 to $100 in most cases) is very small compared to the damage you can do if you make a mistake in court. I have tons of clients who come to me after representing themselves in Wake County traffic court and the costs to fix errors is very high in terms of insurance points, DMV points and possible loss of license.