Ticket for having tab only on the back, not the front plate

[uavn]

What is the name of your state? Minnesota
I affixed the 07 tab on my back plate but not the front one (I still don't know why I was such careless) and I received a ticket "Fail to display current license plate/tabs" on my car today when parking off-street. The officer put in the remarks "NO PERMIT VISIBLE" and "406ONFTAND407ONBACK" (April is the registration month). I have a clean driving record. From reading other threads (which I can't find my exact situation) I think I should contest.
My question:
- What is the chance that I get the fine reduced or clear?
- Could you give me some advice on how I should contest?
- Any other advice? ( I've never been to court before)
Thanks much.

 

[gawm]

If it were me I would tell the judge someone must have stolen it.

 

[CdwJava]

What do you think your defense is? You forgot? That's not a defense.

I don't see a defense ... unless you want to commit perjury.

You might consider going to court and hoping the officer doesn't show up ... but that could be a long shot.

- Carl

 

[uavn]

Thanks for the replies. So I should not contest because I have no defense. Should I ask for leniency or should I just pay the $112 fine? What should I tell when I ask for leniency?
I still feel that my violation deserves only a warning, not a hefty (at least for me) fine.
I also did a little research and found that on the citation, the officer wrote Code 169.79, which is "Vehicle registration" offense, but the citation description had "Fail to display current license plate/tabs", which should be under Code 168.09(2) (http://www.courts.state.mn.us/districts/fourth/TVB/tvbFines.htm) . Can I use that piece of information since my car is definitely registered?
To Carl: The ticket says that if I want to ontest, I need to appear in person before a hearing officer. I am not sure if there is a court date for such violation.
Thanks in advance.

 

[magic55]

Suck it up. Pay the fine. Move on with your life.

 

[DRTDEVL]

Look, you live in Mn, right?

Stickers fall off of front plates if applied below 50* and encounter snow/ice within 2 weeks of application.

Perfect defense. "It must have fallen off due to the cold weather."

 

[fairisfair]

What should I tell when I ask for leniency?


how about the truth? that the car was currently registered, but you had failed to attach the sticker to the front. A reasonable judge may grant you a reduced fine.

 

[uavn]

Thanks fairisfair! I told the hearing officer that I was half-minded and forgot to affix the front one. My ticket was removed