97 in a 65 in California

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

I was pulled over a few weeks ago while driving on the I-5 to Bakersfield going 97. Yes i should not have been going that fast but it happened, i know the court says that it is a mandatory appearance but i was wondering if anyone knew anything different as I live over 200 miles away from the court and it would be extremely difficult to make it to the court.

Hopefully someone with some past experience could help me out

drive the 200 miles

should only take you 2 hrs

Agree, unless you want a warrant issued for your arrest. I'm surprised they didn't haul you off to jail right then. They could have.

Can an attorney appear for you?

This is one of those tickets were spending $1000 (or more) to keep it off your record (or plead down to 'traffic school speeds') might be worth it.