NY Speeding Ticket - Cop No Show?

I received a speeding ticket in NY (Ulster County) in May. On the ticket, the officer writes the time, date and place for me to appear - if I am to challenge the ticket. I decide to challenge and mailed in my ticket stating so. I arrive today at court (at the appropriate time) but told by the Court Clerk I shouldn't be there until the state notifies me by mail with a trial date. I have not rec'd any notice from the state. I told the Clerk I'm here at the time designated by the officer who wrote the ticket. The Clerk says it doesn't matter, I need to await a trial date.

Then why in the heck is a date written on the ticket for me to appear? This is all a scam to me and feel the officer is just a no show. Am I nuts? Should I get an atty.?

Thanks for any help.

The date was more likely the day you had to either pay the ticket or file to contest.

That's why you should always call first.