also, where was this ticket issued?

alot of these people who are telling you they beat tickets all the time, probably didnt get a ticket in some of these counties where they heavily rely on traffic violations for funding. If you got hit in one of these backwood counties, they want money. I got a speeding ticket on my way to Athens and I got pulled over by a Walton Co cop, and the court was waaaay waaaay away from 316 and everyone that appeared in court that day 100+ people were all charged and fined.

Duluth is the same way, you have a slim to none chance on trying to fight the system with them.