Where I live, the cop that gave the ticket also has to show up in court. If he does, then you pretty much have to plead "guilty" because it's your word against his. If he doesn't show up, the judge has to drop all charges and you don't have to pay anything. In the county that my parents live in (Pasco), the cops are notorious for not showing up. However, I've gotten three tickets, all in different counties, none in Pasco.
Do you go to court yourself, or does the person who gave you the ticket have to show up as well? I would plead "no contest," tell a good story, and hope you get a nice judge.