My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: CA

My ticket involves failure to stop at a stop sign under CA VC 22450(a) while driving from Napa to Sonoma. CA VC 22450(a) states: "The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection."

Assuming there was a limit line, my question is how do you define "at a limit line?" Does that mean before the limit line and no part of my car can be over the line?

Here are my facts: I am approaching a 3 way intersection. I can go right or straight. Two my left is a dirt driveway between two houses. Car in front of me rolls past the stop sign and makes a right. As I am approaching the stop sign, the cop pulls out from the left, flashers on, to chase the other guy. I immediately step on the brake and come to a complete stop (car jerks back). I then go right (I should have gone straight, but too late now). Cop pulls over the guy in front of me and then as I am approaching points to me and pulls me over.

Cop: Do you know why I pulled you over?
Me: Not sure, because I clearly came to a complete stop at the stop sign.
Cop: Yes, you stopped. But you didn't stop in time. You did not intend to stop until you saw me. I have it on video.

Ok, so what is "at the limit line?" Statute doesn't say "before the limit line." Assume the front of my car was over but my front tires were on or AT the line. Is that ok? And I don't think intent is a factor (which he can't prove anyway). The fact is I stopped (which he admitted). And my car (front tires) were at the limit line. (To be honest I can't remember if there was a line, but assume there was).

I am from out of state and will not fight this in person. $234 is a steep fine though. I know I can request a trial by written declaration but want to know my chances of winning, getting a copy of the video or having the fine reduced. Also, do I have to pay the fee as bail when I submit the forms?

Also, what if in further defense I stopped a car length back and then inched up to see the intersection and the above happened?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.