My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: CA
I'm going to court to fight this ticket next week. I've researched on-line and read other posts. I called the clerk and asked for a breakdown of the fine, but to no avail. She said it consisted of diff. assessment fees, court fees, health security fees, etc. but wasn't able to provide me with an actual breakdown.
I was expecting the ticket to be like $140, but when I got the notice to appear in the mail it was $236. I asked the clerk about this and she said it could be b/c I had prior moving violations...which I do have, but still (106 in a 70 $858 and 88 in a 70 $360 both in the same exact county: Kern. I was headed up to the Bay Area for a visit..I live in San Diego). How can they base a cell phone ticket off of priors?
I'm going to fight this...just wanted to see if any of you had any tips or suggestions?!
When I go to court do I plead not guilty and then they assign me a new court date and I have to come back? Or do I plead not guilty and then the judge asks for my defense and we can handle it right then? What if I go on my court date and the cop isn't there...will it be automatically dismissed? The clerk told me I could go to court before my court date...if the cop was going to be at my assigned court date, but I go at an earlier date and he's obviously not there, will it get dismissed as well?
After I do plead not guilty and if the judge finds me guilty right then, would it be a bad idea to ask for a reduced fine at least?
Thanks in advance!

