In the State of the Georgia, minors are issued Class D licenses, which include restrictions such as not being able to drive between the hours of 12am and 6am. Once you're 18, you are eligible to upgrade to a Class C, which has no restrictions.
I turned 18 in October 2009, and in June 2010 was issued a citation for driving with "Class D Restrictions." I hadn't updated my license to a Class C yet, and I thought curfew restrictions were only to minors. The police officer pulled me over at 12:30am because I had a tag light and taillight out (I knew about the taillight, not about the tag).
So, the week that I was issued the citation, I went and upgraded my license and fixed my car to have all working lights. The court date is August 31st. I know a person who works with the county's Solicitor General, but was told that I can't pay a fee by mail or over phone or online to get rid of it-- because it deals with "Joshua's Law" and minors, it's required that I go in front of a judge.
Should I over-prepare? What should I bring? Should I expect to have the charges dropped?
I have had my license for 2 years and have a spotless driving record. No accidents, no tickets.

