[aigel]

Here is the outcome:

- Trial by written declaration came back 'guilty'.
- I sent in for the trial de novo.
- I decided to skip legal help and just show up to the trial. I figured that I could at least try to plead 'no contest' and ask for traffic school which would put me back at where I started.
- Officer was not present at the trial - case dismissed.

So, what do we learn from this? Well, drive so they do not have anything on you, but if you get in trouble, fight until you run out of options. From what I have witnessed, the judge is handing out traffic school pretty readily in court, so even with trial by written declaration, it is likely you won't lose anything:

1. Trial by written declaration
2. Trial de novo
3. Court and hope the cop is a no show, if he/she is there, ask for traffic school.

The bummer on tickets really is what they potentially do to your insurance rate.

George