I would just pay a lawyer (if within reason) as the premiums ain't worth it.

I too go myself in a similar situation this year during Memorial Day weeked. It was slow as shiets on a Monday morning at 6 in the morning. No cars on the road where usually , it would have the top of the morning pre rush hour. Long story short, paid a lawyer and literally 3 days before my scheduled court date, I get a letter from the DMV itself stating my case/ticket was dismissed. Well worth the $$$$ IMO.