My opinion (and it is just an opinion) is that I would rather take the chance and go to court, because the DA or judge can help. Also, the cost of the larger fine w/no points would be less than the smaller fine and ticket on record affecting insurance rates for 3 years.
************
This is a gamble I personally would take, it is a gamble however as the judge may have caught his wife cheating that morning and not reduce the ticket for ya.
******************
Good Luck w/ur situation.