I've been in this situation a few times and will say to show up to the court every time. Show up a little early and ask to talk with the prosecutor. Asked to have the ticket reduced to a "non-moving" violation.....something like not wearing a seatbelt or something stupid. Key point is to make sure that it's a non-moving violation so that you will receive no point and your insurance rates will not be affected. When you do talk with the person list of the important things that are good about the situation (clear visibility, dry road conditions, light traffic, no accident, and so on and so foth)....you'll walk out of there having to pay a fine but affecting your insurance rates is the most important thing.
Just my $0.02 and showing up does make a huge difference.
