I have some questions about my ticket. I'm still deciding whether or not I want to fight this ticket. The due date isn't until December 30th, so I have some time to think about it.

On the courtesy notice I have an amount due for Bail Forfeiture and an amount due for a Court Appearance. Both are $365. Does that mean I won't have any additional fees if I choose to fight it in court? If I fight it in court, is it possible that my fees will be raised, or is the maximum I'll pay for this ticket $365 and I can get the possibility of them reducing my fine?

I also have the option of Trial By Declaration. Do I lose anything by trying that out? I do not have the option for traffic school, so I don't lose the Traffic School option by contesting. I did some light reading a while back ago, but is it true that if I don't like the verdict from my Trial By Declaration that I can still have a court appearance? Will that effect me negatively if the prosecution is missing documents at court and asks for additional time and rescheduling?

I do want to get it over with, and would be quick to pay the fine. But it's such a hit on my credit, that I'd like to fight it if I could.

Does anyone have any advice?