In this letter, you can request a Trial by Written Declaration, allowing you to contest your citation entirely by mail. It seems suspicious that the best and easiest way to contest a traffic ticket is not supported by a state approved pleading form. We at Ticket Assassin have created a Written Not Guilty Plea template since the state has neglected to do so. Smug Cops, Gawking rubes and 720 donuts. There are many disadvantages to an in-person trial.
Most people are too nervous to represent themselves well in court.
Also, since most defendants are inexperienced with the law, they tend to lose their cases. Another disadvantage to an in-person court trial, is that you are not entitled to a jury. Since 1968, traffic infraction defendants are entitled to a trial decided by a judge alone . A court trial is a one-shot deal. If you're found guilty, you have no right to a new trial.