$25 traffic "fix it" ticket balloons into a $619 one - any way to reduce it?

[Kindzmarauli]

$25 traffic "fix it" ticket balloons into a $619 one - any way to reduce it?

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

Received a correctable $25 ticket on 4/7/12, "current address required on DL". Got that fixed on 4/11, and then... forgot about the ticket and wasn't checking the mail until just recently. Some personal issues. I know, should have known better.

The court date was 5/15/12, I missed that. Received a notice with an action date of 6/5, bail amount $619, due date 6/15. FTA and a 40509.5 hold on the license.

On the lasuperiorcourt.org, I have to choose one of the two options:
- pay the $619 bail
- request an arraignment court date

The advice I keep hearing (from CHP officers and on other forums) is to request a court date and beg the judge to reduce the fine. Does that sound right?
Another advice is to go to court and ask to lift the hold.

So that means, schedule a court date. My only question is, do I need to pay the bail now and if I do, will I still have an option to request a court date after that?

Thanks!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-W7dtupjDFTI/T9q8LW8JuCI/AAAAAAABi5I/gPQXlobA0AU/s800/2012-06-14%20LASC%20Traffic%20Ticket%20options.jpg

 

[Zigner]

I would suggest that you request to see a judge and show up with the proof that this was fixed in a timely manner after receiving the citation. You might get lucky.

ETA: Ask the court how to handle the bail amount. Go in person.