My first speeding ticket after 7 years drove my insurance rate up by $800 to day I found out. I am insured with AAA. It will take 2 1/2 year to expunge my record. It is very costly.
You should hope that the cop won't appear at the tial. In my case, local Sheriff's dep. shares walls with the court house. CHP is only 10 miles away. So it didn't stand a chance for me. It is very likely that judge won't take your word for it. Good luck to you.