Running a Stop Sign... how to plea bargain

[mpsbmw]

Ok, here's what happened.

I'm 18 (I was actually 17 when I recieved this ticket) and living in New Jersey. Right across the street from my high school is a residential area, which, if you cut through it, will go around a traffic light and possibly save you a minute. Quite a few people take this particular short-cut while leaving school.

So, one day I took it. Ironically this was my first time taking it, but nevertheless, a policeman was stationed around the first corner of this area, near a stop sign. As I turned, the policeman (standing in the middle of the street) pointed to my car, and yelled that I pull over. I did.

I waited for about 10 - 15 minutes, as the cop proceeded to pull over about 5 or 6 other people after me for running this particular stop sign.

Anyway, after that, he wrote me a ticket, said I ran a Stop Sign (he says he has it on is car's video camera, so I didn't want to argue with him), and at the end said "you've been very kind and courteous today with me, so if you show up on your court date, I'll see what I can do to help you get the Prosecutor to charge you with a lesser offense without points."

This sounds to me like a plea bargain. Now, my question is, how particularly do I go about this? I mean, do I show up to court early, find the prosecutor, and then plead my case? Or do I bring this up during my time in front of the Judge?

Also, what do you think my chances are of getting a reduced offense? I don't mind paying the $85, but I really don't need points on my liscense. I'm a very good student with no prior offenses. Also, does the fact that others were pulled over at the same stop sign at the same time I was help or hurt my case?

Thank you so much.