How Can I Beat or Reduce My Speeding Ticket

[Ticket in San Francisco]

My question involves a speeding ticket from the State of: California

I was ticketed earlier this month traveling southbound on Hwy. 1 as I exited MacArthur Tunnel. I was pulled over by a CHP officer who said they got me on radar going 62. They said that a lot of studies have been done showing the safe speed there is 49. The limit is 45. I received my citation for violating code 22350. On the ticket, it said P.F. was 45 and safe speed was 49. A week or so later, I received a correction notice in the mail changing the safe speed to 45.

Can I reasonably work to have this ticket dismissed? Or, could I get the fine reduced? I called the clerk today and she said that they often show consideration if you say you want to attend traffic school. She also suggested that I could plead financial hardship (I've been unemployed for a few months). Either way, she said I'd have to come in to request a court date...unless I just wanted to pay the fine or request a court date in writing and pay the fine.

What is my best course of action here?

Thank you!

One last detail...The correction notice I received in the mail also listed the vehicle number, something that was not noted on the original citation. The citation only listed the radar unit number. Does that make a difference?

[That Guy]

What is my best course of action here?

Contact CalTrans and request a copy of the most recent Engineering and traffic survey for the rosad segment where the speeding infraction occurred. When you receive it, scan it, upload to to an image hosting site (imageshack, photobucket... etc) and post links to the documents in this thread...

If CalTrans is not the agency responsible for maintaining that roadway, then they can direct you to the agency that does.

One last detail...The correction notice I received in the mail also listed the vehicle number, something that was not noted on the original citation. The citation only listed the radar unit number. Does that make a difference?

Nope... The officer's vehicle number is not a point of contention. Even if it was, it has been corrected/added prior to your appearing in court.