I don't know how the ticket's/law is in your area, but in PA, you can either plead guilty or not guilty to a ticket. There is no "I know I screwed up, but I want a change to explain myself" option, but not guilty works fine. I got a speeding ticket before, 14 over the limit (was just in a hurry). I mailed the ticket back "not guilty" and had to put $50 down and they setup a court date with the local magistrate. The cop and I both had to appear before the magistrate. I've heard if the cop can't or doesn't show up, you just got off completely. The cop went first, explained what device he used to clock me (vascar), showed his certification to use it and described what happened. When it was my turn, I just said that I know I was speeding, but I was having a bad day and just wanted to get home. I was alone on the road on a clear sunny day and was just trying to hurry. I appologized for speeding and said I'd never do it again. He told me he'd reduce the fine to 5 mph over the limit from 14 which reduced the fine to $95 from ~$140 and had no points (my insurance wouldn't go up). He asked the cop if that was okay and the cop said I was complete gentleman when he pulled me over and had no objection so I walked out in a lot better shape then when I went in. The $50 I paid when pleading not guilty was applied to the fine so I only had to pay another $45 (supposevly I got the $50 back if I won or the officer didn't show up). I'm assuming you can try something similiar but I would call the magistrates office and ask them to be sure.

Nice car, my girlfriend's sister had a '00. Drove nice but I'm 6' 3" and I barely fit with the seat all the way back. My head kept hitting the sunroof.