If you really don't want to pay and want a better chance maybe you can go in the following order:
You might not have to report/pay for a good 2-months
1) Get a couple of extensions (first can be done online) good for an other 2-3 months between two extensions.
2) You might need to stop into the clerks office to obtain a second extension.
3) You can then file a "trial by declaration" (delay an other month waiting for the reply).
4) Once denied if can't explain your way out of it there set a trail date for a hearing as far out as they'll let you. (good for an other two months)
5) Show to court, by this time a good six to nine months may have passed, good change he's forgotten some info on the ticket, been transfered, works a different shift, doesn't care by now etc. etc.
I remember once the officer showed up and after taking the stand told the judge, I don't recall the stop clear enough to testify in the matter pending. JUDGE SAID "NEXT!"
-Eli
