in all honesty, go talk to a public defender, or an lawyer. it sounds to me like they don't know what they are talking about at all. Fight this thing all the way for sure, this harrasment must stop.

by the way, for future reference for all, never pop your hood or trunk for a cop when they ask (if they are harrassing you), it actually is against the law for them to do so without certain cause or a warrant. wanting you to pop the hood when you are lowered with an exhaust visable is no justifiable cause for them to check under your hood, in the trunk, in the glove box, etc....
They have no legal standing to do so. It's actually unconstitutional, unless you actually submit, and proceed to pop your hood or trunk. If you resist, the officer will have to call in to the PD, and have a warrant issued for that type of search, UNLESS, there are drugs in the car, you are driving drunk (sometimes this doesn't even constitute a legal reason), etc......
THere is a whole gambit of constitutional laws regarding these issues. Do some legal research, talk to lawyers, and find out the truth! You don't HAVE to do everything the officer says.

the downfall, if the officer actually goes through the hassle of getting a warrant, they will nail you for every single thing that you have done that they can write you up for, and most likely, if you are really illegal, your car will be impounded or confescated.

But i urge everyone to go out and read the laws, do the research, and by all means fight the dirty cops with knowledge!!!