In 1997 I got a ticket in Springfield, Oregon. Not wanting to drive from the Bay Area to Oregon for a court appearance, I tried trial by declaration, wrote my statement, got it notarized and mailed it in.
When my day in court came, they read my declaration, but the cop was there in person and refuted all my claims.
I got the book thrown at me, it would have been cheaper and easier to just pay the fine.
Unless you plan on showing up for the court date in person, it's not worth contesting the ticket. In my opinion, take the 1/2 day off from work and deal with it.