How can I get a change of venue?? (get case heard in diff. state?)

I live in South Carolina and have a SC drivers license. I am 20 years old. I was visiting Illinois and received a ticket for "possession of alcohol by a person under 21 years of age" at a restaurant/bar. It was not a state ticket, but a "village ticket." He told me I did not have to appear in court and it was not a misdemeanor, but the equivalent of a traffic violation. Last week I received a notice saying this is a "must appear violation" and I have to go to Illinois. I got the court date delayed, but the trip will cost me over $500 to fly there, get a car or taxi, and all. The 28hr round trip drive is too long to take off from school. Is there any way out of this, that I could just pay a fine or something and not appear? (They say my license will be suspended if I don't go).

Did you try contacting the court and ask for other options? Your case does not come close to qualifying for a change of venue.