Speeding ticket - mail back guilty, not guilty, or guilty with statement (trial)?

Question

I just got my first speeding ticket. I was doing 45 in a 30 (apparently, the road changed from 35 to 30 and gets a lot of people there). The officer said I have one of three options

1) Mail the 90 bucks and take 2 points on my license (don't want to do this)

2) Say not guilty and go to court to plead case

3) Say guilty, but go to a hearing for sentencing. Here I can state my case and hopefully get it reduced.

I'm not sure what to do. Everyone says just go to court and if the officer shows up say "Guilty" but if he doesn't, "Not Guilty." Apparently, there is something new in Maryland and you can't do that. You have to state your guilt/innocence before you even get a trial date. If I say not guilty, the officer shows up and I could end up paying more. I'm not sure what to do with this new way of dealing with speeding tickets. It is my first offense (and I'm 24, so no tickets in 8 years) so I think I have a good argument. Any advice?

Thank you all in advance.

Answer 1

If you have to choose ahead of time, just plead guilty and get a trial. If you're lucky you will at least get the points removed from your license. My friend had 2 tickets and pleaded not guilty both times and both times the officer never came to the trial. So I guess if you think the cop won't come, then plead not guilty.

Answer 2

Definitely go to court, and definitely plead not guilty.  If it's your first offense, there is a very good chance that you'll be able to get out of the ticket.  There's no need to pay a ticket that they will let you off of.

Answer 3

go to court, if the police officer does not show up it will be dismissed.