My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
So I buy an monthly Caltrain pass but last month my tagging off on the first day did not go through properly. I didnt realise this till the conductor came around to check the passes and then I got a Citation on board. I had a print showing my proof of purchase of the monthly pass and it was purchased 10 days in advance, giving enough time for the pass to load. The conductor was not interested in seeing my 'proof of payment' and was only looking at my clipper card. I have had issues with clipper previously and that is why I always carry a proof of purchase print as a backup. I even offered to try to tag on at the next station to confirm again. But he was not interested.
When I got to the next stop, I anyway went ahead and tried tagging on again and this time it worked. I did show it to the other conductor there but he said he cannot do anything about citation.
So I did not evade the payment and even I had 'proof of payment'.
What do I need to do to present my case to the court?

