On my citation I am given three options: Pay the fine, request a hearing regarding sentencing and disposition instead of a trial, or request a trial. I was looking up information on the website for courts in Maryland and found out that if I request a hearing, it would be with the judge only and not the officer who ticketed me. That I can explain to the judge why I committed the offense and request that my fine be reduced. If I were to choose this option, could I request to the judge that I attend traffic school instead of get the point on my record? I know I will most likely still have to pay a fine, which is okay. I don't care about the fine. Is this a good option for me?

