Reddit: After arraignment and pleading not guilty can I do TWD?

I think I have a case to argue with a ticket that I received 10/2020. I have exhausted my extensions and pled not guilty at arraignment.I’m scheduled a court date for 08/11 at OC Westminster Justice.

Ticket violation VC21453(a) = Red or stop violation limit line or x-walk stop.

Details of the violation:

Busy day with traffic. I was approaching a traffic light to turn right with cars in front of me and behind.
I have slowed down and stopped to get my turn then slowly and safely turned right.
2 motor-officers followed me and one of them gave me a ticket for violation above. Only one officer signed it.
Officer didn’t know the year or model of the car out of the registration and has the “model” wrong. He asked me about the year, and I told him.

I think I was unfairly given that violation since its typical for going straight through a red light (I’ve asked a traffic attorney and he confirmed). A lesser amount would have been VC21453(d); almost half of the fees.

Details of arraignment:

I asked the judge to lower the fees and I may consider guilty. He said nope.
I mentioned to him my financial inability to pay. He said nope.
I plead NOT guilty and was given a court date to argue my case.

I have 2 questions.

Can I do TWD before the court date?
Do I have a case to argue for the wrong violation and either getting lowered or dismissed?

A: Can I do TWD before the court date?

You can ONLY do a Trial by Written Declaration before the court date. So get to it. Directions for how to do a Trial by Written Declaration are here, along with a blank TR-205 form and directions on how to fill it out. Access requires basic registration. The guides are free (sort of) but if you want specific examples, it’s a $25 contribution.

Do I have a case to argue for the wrong violation and either getting lowered or dismissed?

A 21453(a) means you didn’t come to a complete stop at the intersection. You can argue that you did, and that the officers didn’t (or couldn’t) see you come to a complete stop given their position, line of view, etc. There are plenty of examples on that site.

You can ask for a fine reduction and traffic school after you lose your Trial by Written Declaration or after your in-person court trial (the Trial de Novo you may have heard about).