tlow

No contest. I didn't even know I had the option. I was going to show up, plead guilty and ask for a reduced fine and traffic school.

What if when I'm in the courtroom and don't see the officer present? Is is to risky to change my plea before I go before the judge.

I don't want him popping out of hidden door #1 if you know what I mean.

Ulrich

You can do anything you want up to the moment where the judge passes his/her verdict. If you want to plead not guilty in the hope that the cop doesn't show up to court, and then change it to guilty when you see him in the court room, that's your god-given right. Or at least given by the constitution.

I always found female judges to be more sympathetic (unless you pissed them off in some way) -- so that might be a factor to consider as well.

Schatten

however, the first time you - the defendant - shows up, there will be no cop, its only a prelim trial.