Gawd! Jake, if things are as you explained, the ticket won't hold up if you take it to court. If you're working and can't take time off to go during the day, you can sometimes ask for an evening date. You can also just write to the judge and I believe in this case that would be all that would be necessary to get the ticket tossed.

It's just ridiculous.

Personally, I think your opening post is ready to copy and paste and mail to the judge.

Good Luck and even though I never apologize for someone else's shiat, in this case I will.....Sorry you had to endure a case of Washington Stupid.