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I've spent a lot of time in traffic court too, but on the other side of the equation as jthurber80. In Florida, I can tell you that going to the attorneys is a no-brainer. In my experience, the "Ticket Clinic" type specialists are extremely effective. The worst case I've ever experienced was having to pay court costs and attend traffic school. No points, no hit to the insurance rates. Many times the charges were dropped on a technicality like radar gun calibration. HOWEVER, the going rate down here is more like $200.00 or less for non-criminal infractions. I think there's collusion between the attorneys and the judges; the judges just process the attorney cases through as quickly as possible to get the cases cleared and off their dockets. I like it because I don't have to appear anywhere at any time, I mail the ticket to the attorney, pay over the phone with debit card, and if needed, take the "class" online via website.
If the price where you are is really $2,500, I think jthurber is right; you have nothing to lose by showing up and seeing if the judge will work with you. I got popped in Phoenix at 120 on the VFR when I was briefly working in AZ. I tried to find a traffic attorney; apparently they don't have ticket attorneys there. So I went to the hearing, the judge said $300, and I was on my way.
If the price where you are is really $2,500, I think jthurber is right; you have nothing to lose by showing up and seeing if the judge will work with you. I got popped in Phoenix at 120 on the VFR when I was briefly working in AZ. I tried to find a traffic attorney; apparently they don't have ticket attorneys there. So I went to the hearing, the judge said $300, and I was on my way.