Possession Of Paraphernalia In Mississippi

I live in AL, and was driving to MS for my work. Got pulled over and admitted to having a bowl after they had a dog smell around my car (they were going to search since the dog "indicated" on my car, and i'm sure they would have found it). I didn't have any marijuana, just the pipe. However, there is residue in the pipe. They gave me a ticket of possession of paraphernalia and let me go. My question is, would I have to show for court for this charge? This is my first offense, i'm 27 years old. I don't want to have anything on my record if possible. Would it be worth getting a lawyer and going to court to try to get the charges dropped, or would it be a waste of time? Should I just pay the fine and move on? Help!! :wallbang:

Is it an infraction or a misdemeanor? Do you have to go to court? How much is the fine? If it's just a fine, I'd be tempted to pay it.

I've been trying to find that info out myself, but according to the court, I have to wait 2 weeks before my court date before it will be in their system. Some system.

I spoke with the court today. They said they couldn't tell me anything over the phone, and that I would have to go to court. I didn't want to have to go that route, but I guess I have no choice. I'm supposed to talk to an attorney tomorrow and find out my options. I'll post the outcome on here in hopes of maybe giving someone else information that may apply to them. This sucks. :(