The Trial
You have two options for your trial:
- Trial by Declaration
This may be done by mail without ever going to court, and if you lose, you are entitled to a new trial (see CVC 40902(d)). Consequently, I would recommend starting here. - Court Trial
If you want to go in front of the judge and/or have the opportunity to question the officer, you will need to go to court. If you lose your trial by declaration, you will need to go to court if you want to beat the ticket.