Not sure if this whole show, and dance works for the boroughs but this is how it works in the rest of NY. First plead not guilty on the ticket (regardless whether or not you are), and mail it in. They will notify you of a court date. It used to be if the cop that gave you the ticket didn't show up you'd be off scott free, not sure if that still works, but even if he does show up, you'll more than likely be able to plead the ticket down to a lesser amount, or even a lesser violation like a parking a infraction. Basically if you have the time to go to court, and won't be losing to much missing work, it's worth it.