My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: California.
A little backstory, it's about 1:30 AM, I'm on my way home from a friend's house. I approach a 3 way intersection of which is currently a red light for my direction. I signal right and prepare to turn right, but do not notice the patrol car tailing me a few car lengths back. After I make the right turn, I see sirens, and pull over. I am issued a ticket for a violation of VC 21453a with "RED SIGNAL" as the description. I DID completely stop at the red light, however, it was only for a brief second as I determined it was safe to proceed with the turn after seeing that there was no car or pedestrian in sight (especially at 1:30 in the morning).
Also, this will be my first ticket/offense.
My questions are:
I know the fine is about $400, but how much would I have to pay in court fees should I decide to fight this?
The officer insists I did not stop. Would I have any defense in saying that the officer had no view from behind me to tell whether or not I was stopped completely?
I'm the typical poor college student, who literally would not have the money to pay the fine as I am unemployed and am a part of a low income family. What are my options?
Anyone have any other suggestions on how to deal with this?

