if it's athens clarke county, the lady solicitor is extremely nice. call her before your court date, make an appointment to come in and chat with her for a few minutes. tell her your situation...talk about other options such as community service and/or driving school etc. to get it lowered to below 15. and there's no need to mention about doing extra stuff unless she says 'no' the first time.

if you were speeding in a residential area or school zone, they won't do $hit. they won't lower the mph or anything. that's the clarke county 'law'. i speak from an experience here.

also, i'd go see her as soon your file hits the cabinet. they won't automatically drop your case just because the cop isn't there. it's solely up to the judge. seeing this as your first traffic violation, she probably would drop it if that was the case.

if you got a ticket in oconee county, that's awesome. they're much more lenient there. good luck...oh and don't forget your wallet.