I don’t even understand why she had to go to court in the first place. I am 68 and think I have had 3 tickets in my life.
Each time, I simply mailed in a check. Never had to go to court.
Some tickets you cannot prepay, like reckless driving in VA. You must appear for it. If you don’t a Capias is issued for you to make you appear...
If you go to court and ask to go to trial, they will often offer a reduced charge. Many people do that.