Traffic ticket in CA : please help

[bubun222]

I got my first ever ticket in Menlo park, CA (I have been driving in US for last 4 years) by taking a left turn where it was prohibited (it was night, and I just missed the sign). They charged me 2 points (1. Uncontrolled intersection yield and 2. Failure to obey traffic signs) and given me a date on April 3, 2012 to appear on court.
What do you guys suggest me to do now? Should I plead guilty or challenge? Fines are really high here in CA, and I am especially worried about my driving history reflecting the incident.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[mightymoose]

If you have a spotless record you may have some luck minimizing the fines. You will need to plea not guilty when you appear in court. You would then have an opportunity to negotiate with the prosecutor for a lesser offense and lower fines. This is not uncommon at all for a first offense. If you plea guilty you will pay the full fines. However the outcome, you will want to find out of you qualify for traffic school. You will still have to pay the fines, and pay additional for traffic school, but doing so will keep it off your driving record and will not effect your insurance.

 

[disagreeable]

First, start by filing for a Trial By written Declaration and subpoena the officers notes. CDWjava can advise on the procedure when he sees this this thread.