I just returned from an 8 day vacation and catching up with the board.
My recommendation from my experience with a citation when an elderly driver hit ME and I got the ticket. Instead of paying the fine, I asked for a court appearance with the judge (I could have just paid the fine in my case). Don't laugh but I went in and said I'm pleading not guilty your honor and may I have a court appointed attorney? I could tell the judge was biting his tongue to keep from laughing and he found his composure before asking if I owned the car in the accident. I did so so he said if I really felt I needed an attorney, I may have to sell it to pay for my own attorney fees as I was obviously not destitute. I then asked him for a continuance while I built my case which was granted.
Then I went to the municipal clerks office and copied off the ordinance that I was cited for on my ticket (it was actually a state law the city had adopted in their code). I studied it and I'm sure I then knew more about it than the officer that wrote the ticket. On the day of my court appearance, the officer was there but I was loaded for bear and proved my case on how the ordinance didn't fit my citation with examples. The judge then asked the officer if he had anything else to counter my argument and he was flummaxed. The judge had no alternative than to dismiss the charge.
If you feel you need legal assistance, look in the phone book for attorneys that provide initial consultations for free. Then if more info is needed, ask if you can pay for one hour of his service for more detailed advice. Around here, many advertise this way just to pick up new clients because at some point in your life, there will be another need for legal assistance i.e. wills or to close your estate at your death. Or just ask one of your golfing buds or friends who they use for an attorney and check if they would give you an initial consult.
My personal attorney would gladly provide free advice for this matter and the few hundred dollars I paid for our wills, etc. has paid for itself already in free assistance including getting my daughter off for a ticket for interferring with a law enforcement officer while in high school years ago. I've also referred friends, family, and clients to him so he's also received his 'free' service back in new business several times over.
I did a quick google search and this was the first article that came up that gives a sample of what happens during court. Yes, by all means, go down and watch a session for an hour. PREPARE YOURSELF. DO RESEARCH. KICK THEIR BUTT!
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/beat-ticket-book/chapter12-2.html