Don't plead not guilty. That just means you have to wait like they said to get a court date and then at the end of the day, it was expired at time of citation. The end you lost.
I have had better luck pleading guilty and THEN getting it reduced or thrown out. But mine were speeding tickets so they knew I was there to avoid penalties.
Then there's the idea of getting a lawyer, but like has been said it's gonna cost the same as the ticket even though it's pretty much a guaranteed win.
I would just pay it because there's no points involved. And it's only $112. I know how much $112 is but compared to the $250 ONE headlight ticket I got a while back, psh. I'd take that.