driving out of carpool lane violation

What is the name of your state? CALIFORNIA

I was driving on HWY 91 (Orange County located in Southern California) in the carpool lane for no more than 3 miles when my exit ramp was approaching in less than 1/4 of a mile. I carefully moved out of the carpool lane (double yellow) with the intention of catching my exit.

For this, I was pulled over and cited by a police officer.

What are carpoolers to do when their exit ramp appears but no signs of exiting the carpool lane?

Any advise or suggestions regarding how to approach the Judge or how to contest this in court would be greatly appreciated.

It's real simple --

Only enter or exit carpool lanes at designated points. These areas are indicated by signs or by a broken double yellow line or white line. It is unlawful to cross the double yellow lines of a carpool lane--you can be ticketed.

You waited too long and missed your opportunity to catch your exit. So you catch the next one and back track.

There is a good reason for the law, they want people to avoid doing what you did, cutting across multiple lanes of traffic in a short distance.

Either pay the fine, beg the judge for mercy or deny it happened.