[eynigush]

In California you may pay the fine and avoid showing up to court. If you plead not guilty, you pay the fine up front anyways and wait until your scheduled appearance. Unfortunately for the culprit, changing their plea to a no contest will not wield much benefit. Like posted above, the officer is payed to show up; whether or not you appear, three hours of overtime are guaranteed to the officer. People usually change their plea once they see that the officer is present. It's common practice and the judges know this. The only break you'll catch is an extension to attend traffic school.

--Eddie