Ticket for Passing in Shared Turn Lane

[abhiku]

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: WA

I got the ticket on 4/13 when I was taking left turn to go to park and ride. Officer stopped me saying I took the turn 400ft before I turn left. He took my ID number and said I will get ticket in mail. Today I got the ticket in the mail.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the details listed in the ticket:

Violation Date: 04/13/2010
Date Issues: 04/21/2010

Date Mailed: 04/23/2010
Date received by me: 04/28/2010
Due Date to respond: 05/13/2010

Violation code listed on the ticket is RCW: 46.61.290 - Passing in shared turn lane 600ft.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I want to contest this ticket. What are my options?

I just called court house to get officer notes. Clerk told me to write simple request and submit personally. I will go tomorrow to get officer notes what he has exactly written?

What is my next step? This is first time in 10 years I got the ticket. I want to contest this ticket and don't want it on my record.

Is there way I can do this without lawyer?

Can someone pls. advice me what should I do next? what I need to speak in court if I choose to contest this ticket?

Thanks
Appreciate your advice!!

[jk]

what were the lane markings when you entered the center lane?

[abhiku]

It's centre lane for turning both ways ( I believe it's standard yellow centre lane with turn arrow marks both ways ) I can check today. but this lane goes all the way to hill from where road start.

[abhiku]

I checked today, the centre lane is yellow with circle on it. It's not solid yellow line on both side of centre lane. Only yellow little circle goes all the way to end.

Can someone pls. advice what should be my next step?